After 9 weeks off from 6 game cancellations the Colliers senior men looked eager and happy to be back on the court and also with a new addition to the squad Alistair Kerr.

 

From the tip off the game proved to be a physical clash with no team getting easy baskets. Ross Rankin led the team in terms of scoring knocking down three 3pointers in the first quarter.

 

The Colliers played tough team defence and did a great job getting defensive rebounds, which allowed them to build a small lead, which they built on as the quarter progressed, finishing up 18-11.

 

Oatlands came out in the second fired up playing very physical defence, which saw a boost in their confidence also offensively beating the Colliers 20-19 in the quarter finishing the half Colliers 37 Oatlands 31.

 

Oatlands continued their hot streak of scoring into the second half taking the lead. The lack of games began to show as the fatigued Colliers fought to stay in it. The game again got very physical which led to both teams receiving technical fouls. Darren Sharp did an excellent job scoring inside however at the end of the third the Colliers were down 53-51.

 

The Colliers started the fourth quarter fired up playing excellent defence and Ross Rankin continued to shoot the ball impressively from the 3point line. Jay Runga stepped up getting to the basket and knocking down free throws building on the Colliers comeback.

 

Runga again charged and focused to win stole the ball from the Oatlands point guard and found Graham Hunter on the fast break which he scored tying the game 60-60. Darren Sharp got to the basket quickly after putting Colliers up by 2.

 

With little time left Oatlands only option was to foul and stop the clock and hopefully get the ball back after missed free throws however Jay Runga and Ross Rankin knocked them down sealing the victory.

 

Final score: SL Colliers 66 – 60 Oatlands

 

Ross Rankin top scored with 23 points followed by Darren Sharp with a hard fought 20 points, Jay Runga had 11 and Graham Hunter added 10.

 

The Colliers next game will take place against Glasgow Storm on the 18th of March at Springburn Academy.