GONE are the days of the fiercely-contested matches between PLS Hawks and Premium Cobras that brought local basketball enthusiasts to the edge of their seats.
In the most recent encounter between the two teams on Sunday, only a hand-full of spectators turned up for the one-sided match, totally dominated by PLS Hawks.
After winning the first quarter 21-14, Hawks, spearheaded by veteran guard Heribert Derjaques – who scored three treys – maintained the pressure on their opponents to win the second period on a 12-6 score for a comfortable 33-20 half-time lead.
In the third quarter, the disoriented Premium Cobras team were no match for the clearly on-form Hawks selection, who added another 22 points compared to only nine from their opponents.
Comfortably leading, the boys of coach Tony Juliette took a less aggressive approach in the last quarter and this allowed Cobras to score some points, despite losing the session 24-19. The 79-48 final score steered the Plaisance-based team to their 15th victory after 16 matches.
Neddy ‘Oye’ Fanchette was Hawks’ top scorer with 18 points while Alao Solomon led the scoring for Cobras with 19 points.
Hawks now occupy third place on the league table with 31 points.
Cobras, who have played all their league matches, are now in the runners-up spot on 31 points following 13 victories and five losses out 18 league encounters.
With 32 points from centre Robert Léon, reigning league champions Baya took a step closer to retaining their title when they beat Anse Boileau-based Angels 79-48 on Saturday.
They lead the table after collecting a maximum 32 points from 16 encounters.
In another men’s league division one match played during the weekend on Praslin, MBU Rockers beat Praslin Warriors 81-68, while at the Palais des Sports Mont Fleuri Dawgz defeated Cascade Bullets 52-47.
In the only men’s division two match played, Razors beat Drifters 54-47.