Spartans grab thrilling opener

THREE-POINT shots and technical fouls were the focus of the night as the Hobart Chargers Southern Basketball League tipped off for 2018.

In a highly anticipated battle between Hobart Phoenix and Glenorchy Spartans, both teams fielded a combined five players from the Hobart Chargers men’s team, ensuring an extremely high standard.

Led by Jordy Hargrave, Joel Davie and Robert Inches, Hobart gained the early advantage but in a blow for Hobart, Corey Davie came off in the second quarter with a suspected injury. Limited rotations for Hobart opened opportunities for Glenorchy, who closed the gap thanks to Tiri Masunda.

Glenorchy hit the lead early in the third quarter thanks to some lights-out shooting by Jack Stanwix and Mathiang Muo. But Hobart retook the lead thanks to a layup from Lochie Boucher.

In the last quarter the game was tied twice and the lead changed three times. Stanwix proved the difference, scoring 13 of his game-high 25 points and earning Glenorchy a 74-63 win. The last period was not without controversy, as Noah Johnson was ejected following two technical fouls.

In the other opening game of the men’s competition, Clarence United beat the Southern Wolves 100-76, thanks to 41 points from Samuel Youl.

In the women’s games, Hobart Phoenix beat Glenorchy Spartans 94-69 on the back of Sharna Thompson’s 29 points, while Clarence United defeated the Southern Wolves 69-47 led by Josie Greenwood with 18 points.