Spartans seize the moment

A STORMING finish, with 11 last-quarter points from Tiri Masunda, helped Glenorchy Spartans defeat the Hobart Phoenix and remain unbeaten on top of the SBL ladder.

Glenorchy won 84-76, with Masunda leading the scoring on 35 points, but much of the game was hotly contested.

Despite Mathiang Muo missing the game, great scoring by Masunda and Brad Tuffin helped the Spartans to a 17-16 lead at the end of the first.

Scoring from Corey Davie and the rim protection of Craig Moller kept Phoenix in the game, but an injury to Craig Johnson stretched an already depleted Hobart bench without Robert Inches and Joel Davie. Lochie Boucher and Jordan Hargrave took over the attacking duties for Phoenix, while Boyd Heather contributed some deep threes to keep the Spartans in touch, trailing 42-41 at halftime.

A scrappy third quarter saw six fouls in the first five minutes before both teams were able to get the scoreboard ticking over. Glenorchy had a 60-58 three-quarter-time lead.

An early three in the last from Hargrave saw Hobart regain the lead, before Masunda took over.

In the other men’s game the Southern Wolves opened their account for the season, defeating Clarence United 75-63 thanks to B.J. Radcliffe’s 35 points.

In women’s action, Kylie McCauley’s 36 points proved too much for the Glenorchy Spartans as the Hobart Phoenix ran away winners 96-76.

Sami Williams and Emma Dennis scored 13 points each as Clarence United defeated Southern Wolves 57-21.