Gala weekend of basketball starts tonight

Feb 12 2010 by Paul Behan, Paisley Daily Express

IT’S an absolute gala weekend of basketball with the various St Mirren teams in action at their two venues at the Lagoon and at Linwood.

The Buddies have five home games to negotiate with just the Senior Men away from home to Troon this evening.

A club spokesman said: “Our home fixture on Friday night sees coach Craig Chambers’ Cadet Men up against Falkirk Fury in what is a ‘must win’ game for the young Saints as they continue on their challenge to win the championship.

“Tip-off is 8pm at the Lagoon.

“On Saturday, at the Saints Arena in Linwood Sports Centre, we have four back-to-back games, three of which are against Falkirk Fury, and the other is against City of Edinburgh Kool Kats.

“First on court are the St Mirren Cadette Women who can clinch the National League title if they can defeat last year’s winners from Falkirk.

“Having gone undefeated all season this would be a great feat for coach Lindsay Lang’s team.

“Tip-off is at 10.45am and we are asking the public to please get along early to support the girls.”

Next on court are the Senior Women, who have been bringing fast-flowing basketball back home this season and although as a team they are in a transitional period coach Barry Lang has been delighted with performances and attitude, whether in victory or defeat.

Once again Falkirk Fury are the opponents.

The Junior Men then complete the Falkirk clashes, before the Junior Women finish off the day at 4.45pm with a game against Kool Kats.

The club spokesman added: “The Junior Women, like the Cadettes, have the title in their sights.

“So they will want no slip-ups in what is always a tricky tie against the very talented Portobello- based team.”