Kings boost morale for Play-Offs with victory over champions Fury

Edinburgh Kings coach Craig Nicol was full of praise for his team after they decisively defeated champions Falkirk Fury 67-54 in their last regular season game at the Mariner SC just after Fury had received the league trophy.

CalumNicol was praised for his defence against Austrian sharp-shooter Adam Hammerschmidt, who was held to 13 points. Pictire: Michael Gillen

Though it made no difference to the final league positions – Fury finishing first with Kings fourth – it was a definite morale boost for the Play-Offs for Kings who had also won their first encounter at Portobello HS, the only defeats Fury had suffered all season.

An immense game from former Davidson College (US) centre Ali MacKay, who scored 26 points and took as many as 12 rebounds for a “double double” helped Kings quieten the crowd.

“That was a key performance, probably Ali’s best since he came back from the USA and a big change from a fortnight ago (when Kings went down to Stirling),” said Nicol, who also praised his younger brother Calum for his defence against Austrian sharp-shooter Adam Hammerschmidt, who was held to 13 points.

Paddy Campbell had another strong display for 12 points and Garreth Lodge added a sparky 10 including five free throws in a row in the closing stages.

Caledonia Pride gave possibly their poorest display of the season against a ruthless Northumbria, going down 88-59 at Oriam in the WBBL on Sunday.

Expecting to go close after taking their NE rivals to overtime in a previous Trophy game, Pride were outshot and out-fought by a much stronger side.

Only Sarah Thomson with 21 points including three three-pointers and Trisha Oakes with a double double, 17 points and 15 rebounds, passed muster.