The semi-finals of both Isle of Man Basketball Association’s plate and league took place in a baking atmosphere at the NSC’s main sports hall on Thursday evening.

First up in the plate competition - consisting of teams knocked out of the league the previous week - were PwC Hoops and Microgaming Cavaliers, with Hoops taking an early lead thanks to fast breaks from Gemma Kirkham and Oksana Fedorovych.

Phil Evans and Callum Randle replied with three-pointers for Cavs, kickstarting a devastating pattern for the evening. Tough defence gave PwC Hoops plenty more opportunities on the break, with Holly Hennessy, Daniella Kravela and Becky Dunne capitalising. But the outside shooting of Evans continued to dominate and, with the final buzzer, Hoops were denied as Cavs progressed to the plate final 72-35.

The second plate semi-final was a game of two halves between Eagles and Fun Guys. Noah Dale-Beeton and Oliver Penfold opened the scoring for Eagles, the former keeping them ahead with some solid outside shooting.

Fun Guys’ offence worked to get the ball inside, finding some solid openings for Amutyilani Kikwa and John Li, but drawing more fouls than points.

As the game progressed, Fun Guys’ defence picked up a gear, with more aggressive pressure causing trouble for Eagles whose scoring dried up. Fun Guys chipped away at Eagles’ lead, aided by Joey Song and Lorenz Freno, before slowly grinding to the win 47-63 to seal their place in the plate final.

The first semi for the 2019-20 basketball league set a fast-paced Forget Me Not Jets against an understrength Douglas Basketball Club. Jets capitalised with a string of breaks from Wayne Mears and Jake Glover, as well as a strong inside presence from Mattie Jennings.

Douglas struggled to find a consistent reply, although Ott Krusell had occasional success outside the three-point line and with some open lanes. Jets kept the pressure high with Mears and Glover continuing to dominate on the offensive end, powering Jets to the league final with a convincing 71-39 win.

The other league semi- saw the energetic match-up of Wolves and Turkeys, the former opening the scoring with two first-minute steals that were converted on the break by Michael Pardoe.

Chris Wolfendale and Sean Doyle returned for Turkeys but pressure from the Wolves defence slowed their response. The pressure led to several steals and offensive chances, Fred Atherton capitalising on the break and Ross Wilson finding lanes for the drive, keeping Wolves in the lead.

As the half-progressed Turkeys found form, Doyle hitting three-pointers while Wig Bregazzi cut through lanes to the hoop. Wolves managed to create solid opportunities on offence, but several shots refused to drop.

Some solace was found with a three-pointer from Ben Campbell and strong takes by Michael Connolly, but not enough to give Wolves the lead as they trailed at the half 26-38.

The third quarter saw a devastating one-two combo from Doyle and Chris Wolfendale, alternating between aggressive drives, quick mid-rangers and outside shooting.

Racking up the points, Turkeys pulled further away while Wolves struggled to find form until the fourth quarter where a renewed energy caused trouble for Turkeys and allowed Wilson and Connolly to hit back.

The damage had been done in the third though and, despite a close final quarter, it was Turkeys who powered on to the league final, the score ending 49-76.

This Thursday will see the conclusion of the 2019-20 season as the plate and league finals are staged in the NSC. First up at 6pm will be the plate final with Microgaming Cavaliers playing Fun Guys.

Then at 8pm the league champion will be decided as the Turkeys face Forget Me Not Jets, the former hoping to cement their undefeated season while the latter seek to claim the title in only their second season.

Both finals will be staged on an arena court at the NSC with seating available courtside for spectators. There is no charge for admission and spectators are welcome to attend for what are sure to be two high-energy and exciting finals.

MARTIN DUNNE