Fourth spot battle looms

Heading into the final four rounds of the Bunbury Basketball Association’s senior competitions, the majority of the play off positions have been locked up.

However one intriguing battle does remain – the battle for fourth spot – in the A-Men competition between Tornadoes Red and the Dunsborough Oilers.

Both sides sit at 7-8, although Red can gain some ascendancy with victory over Aces Sky tonight, while the Oilers have a bye.

Aside from their 98-66 loss to brother side Black on January 11, Red’s form has improved over the past three rounds.

With veteran Michael Lay in their side, they have a proven match winner – and in recent times, others have shared the load offensively which has alleviated attention from him on the floor.

The Oilers, in their maiden BBA summer season, have hit some speed bumps over the past month.

Three of their past five games have ended in heavy defeats, with all of them delivered by sides in the top three.

Their two victories have come against sides in the bottom two.

Tornadoes Black entertain Aces White, with Jason Smith primed for another big game.

Smith, who has averaged more than 20 points per game in 2019, has replicated those lofty numbers in all clashes against Sky this season, while Callum Heap could also prove troublesome if he gets off the chain.

In the remaining game of the round, Bulls host Eaton Eagles in a clash which pits top against bottom.

The Oilers can extend their A-Women winning streak to eight games with victory over bottom placed Aces Sky tonight.

With three players currently averaging over 15 points per game, the Oilers have plenty of weapons capable of causing damage in the post-season.

Meanwhile Tornadoes Red can arrest its stuttering form when they face sister side Black.