Saints seal their place in Scottish final

CRAIG RITCHIE

with Tornadoes hitting no less than six three-pointers in the opening period.

Saints managed to keep cool and work themselves back into the game.

After trailing for much of the opening period, Saints were eventually rewarded for their good teamwork and led the way 30-27.

Nick Collins notched 16 points, with Chris Cleary, Scott Armstrong and Colin Railley keeping the options open and adding to the score.

The second period proved more like it as Saints kept working and the hosts’ three-point shooting slowed to only three in their 12-point total.

Saints only had one three-pointer in their 63 points at half time. However, they were convinced they were doing things right.

The second half produced another 71 points for Saints as their experience and composure carried them to what was a convincing victory.

The Tornadoes persisted with their long-range but that wasn’t to combat the endeavours shown by the visiting Paisley side.

The hosts hit no less than 15 threepointers on their way to 81 points.

Saints only made four of those long-range shots on their way to 134 points.

Collins led all scorers with 47, Cleary with a significant 34 and Fergus Harte with a solid 23, were Saints’ leading points scorers as they reached the Scottish Cup final that will take place on Saturday, February 2.