Senior basketball hit fever pitch with eight games over a period of four days in the build up to this week’s league final.

Thursday evening saw the preliminary round, with teams seeded according to league positions.

There was plenty to play for as winning sides continued on the road for the league title, while losing teams moved to the Plate competition.

Top seeds Forget Me Not Jets secured their place in the semi-finals with a decisive win against PokerStars, 97-55. Microgaming Cavaliers progressed against PWC Hoops, 71-38, in a game that saw Hoops build some good momentum in the second half.

The third play-off of the night saw Wolves battle an energetic Eagles, the former lacking several players because of badly-timed injuries.

Eagles were quick to capitalise, using their pace to build an early lead in the first quarter.

Wolves’s experience shone through though and a commanding performance from Ross Wilson allowed them to turn the tide and secure a comfortable 76-46 victory.

The final spot in the semi-finals came from a nail-biting game between Edgewater Turkeys and Douglas Basketball Club.

A quartet of three-pointers from RB Gomez and Joe Narra gave Douglas a four point lead in the first quarter but Turkeys took control of the game in the second and third when the pace of Wig Bregazzi and inside work of Ste Christian helped turn a four-point deficit into a nine-point lead.

It seemed Turkeys were set to progress, but a late flurry from RB Gomez and a nice backdoor cut from Amu Hikwa saw Douglas race into the lead, winning the game 61-55.

With 2019/20 winners Turkeys now in the Plate competition, it means there will definitely be new league champions this season.

The stage was set for semi-final Sunday as teams still in the league competition, in addition to those now vying for the Plate, converged on the NSC for an afternoon of close-run competition.

The first semi had Jets battle Douglas Basketball in a quick-paced game. Douglas continued to hunt the break and outside shots with Jim Manuel finding his sweet spot early in the game. But Jets stayed ahead, with Paul Kilic and Wayne Mears racking up points.

It was the work of Michael Baker on both offence and defence that was a particular standout, securing plenty of boards and some nice inside shots that kept the Jets flying high.

A late surge from Douglas was quickly shut down by Jets who then controlled the pace of the game to ensure their spot in the season final, 74-56.

The second semi-final was hard-fought between Cavaliers and Wolves.

The latter side continued to struggle with injury, Cavaliers taking advantage of their bench to rotate and rest key players.

An early lead for Cavaliers came from the outside, via Phil Evans and Sergio Arboleya, but Ben Campbell and Ross Wilson kept Wolves hot on their heels.

It was a game defined by aggressive defence on both sides, but patience was rewarded with some solid opportunities for Wovles who brought it back to level pegging in the third quarter.

The game stayed within two points until the final minute but an inside basket from Dave Minay and mid-range shot by Evans put the Cavaliers just out of reach, 51-44, leaving Wolves wondering what could have been with a full bench.

PLATE COMPETITION

In the plate competition, Turkeys secured victory against PokerStars 75-69 in a game that saw some nice outside shooting from Vannin Coulter and Bernaldo Davidas.

But it was won by the inside work of Ste Christian and quick pace of Wig Bregazzi.

It was the match-up between PWC Hoops and Eagles that drew the attention of the gathered crowd.

Hoops denied the break and the inside, setting up a solid defence that kept Eagles in check.

Running like a well-oiled machine on offence, chances opened for Nefeli Protogeraki, Lauren Ellison and Zoe Kirkham.

It was anyone’s game with the score neck-and-neck heading into the fourth quarter, and some early baskets from Oli Penfold and Jack Coates let Eagles gain some momentum.

This proved decisive in the final quarter, giving Eagles the extra energy they needed to break away. Hoops continued to work hard but were sadly denied in the end, Eagles taking the win 57-47 in a game that could have easily gone the other way.

ARENA COURT FINALS

This Thursday will see the culmination of a long and difficult season with the Arena Court Finals at the National Sports Centre.

The first match of the evening will be the Plate Final, tipping off at 7pm between Edgewater Turkeys and Eagles.

Then, at 8.30, the league championship title will be decided when Forget Me Not Jets and Microgaming Cavaliers take to the floor.

With both teams having beaten the other during the normal season, there will no doubt be a tough battle to crown this year’s champions.

Seating will be provided, and spectators are encouraged to attend courtside for what should be two enjoyable games.

l Ahead of the league final IoM Basketball Association wishes to express its gratitude to the players, coaches, officials and spectators who have continued to support the sport throughout a unique season that will be remembered for its competitive nature as much as its various lockdown stoppages.

The leagues would not be possible without the support, and IoMBA hope that fans will enjoy the culmination of the season this week.