Basketball: Renfrew Rocks win keeps Falkirk Fury third and still in title hunt

The Sony Centre sponsored side had to fight all the way for an eleven point road win, which shows the decent quality in the Renfrew side as the low-lying outfit pushed Fury side to the final whistle.

The third and fourth periods saw Fury only edge the Rocks by a single point and with the home side taking the first quarter 23-21, it turned out to be the 26-15 scoreline in their favour in the second period – with that being key for the road win.

Both teams shot the ball well in the first with Fury playing great team basketball on the offensive end. The second period saw Fury lock down on the Rocks on the defensive end, while putting 26 points on the board for a nine point half time lead.

Bantu Burroughs, who was back in the Fury side after missing the Kings game through injury, led the scoring in the second with eight points that included two three’s.

Adnan Jalil, who had an outstanding game throughout, had six points personal in a three baskets in a row run in the second period, with Oscar Baldwin adding five points before the half.

The third and fourth quarters saw both teams work hard on the defensive end and Fury in the fourth using the clock well as they worked towards the double digit win.

Fury's top scorers on the day were BBL Gladiators centre Baldwin with 19 points, with former BBL Rocks guard Burroughs on 17 points. Adnan Jalil grabbed 14 points with Eddy Leginas on 10 points.

Fury head coach John Bunyan said post-match: “We were without Bantu last week and this week we had Murray Hendry unavailable, yet we have come away with two wins against two very good teams – so I have to be pleased with the way we adapted with key players out in those matches.

"Today our players worked really hard on the defensive end, especially from the start of the second where we only conceded 37 points until the end of the match, against an offensively strong group of players.

"We focused more on going inside and that is reflected with the big numbers and performances from Oscar and Adnan in the paint. They were also key in the rebounding stakes, which were a big factor in our win.

"We now move on to what will be a key game against St Mirren on the road next Friday. They sit in second spot on two losses and we cannot afford a defeat with our three losses to date.

"We lost in overtime to them in the Scottish Cup and I am sure it will be a great game for the fans. It is a pity that the promotion of such games is left to the clubs as they are the top matches in the country, outwith the professional BBL side.

“Fortunately we have a fabulous set up at all our teams home games, with a great fanb ase and support.

Furyplay St Mirren this Friday 17th March at Lagoon Leisure Centre, Paisley with a 7.45pm tip.