Raiders rattle the Sabres

THE KNOX Raiders kept their perfect season alive with a win over the Sandringham Sabres in their top-of-the-table clash last week.
The Raiders entered the contest with a 4-0 record, tied for top spot in the East, while the Sabres were the only undefeated team remaining in the South.
In a high-scoring opening quarter, the visiting Raiders hit their straps early on the offensive end, scoring 35 points, but the Sabres poured in 24 of their own.
Turnovers started to creep in to the game in the second quarter and the scoring rate slowed but the Raiders still managed to win the period 19 points to 14.
During the second half, coach Graham Longstaff inserted a number of his bench players and got good production from a part of his team that will need to continue to improve throughout the season for the team to contend for a championship.
The Raiders ultimately ran out winners 108-86 with seven players scoring in double figures for the Raiders in a solid team effort. Mick Hill top scored with 20 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists. C. J. Massingale had 16 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists in limited minutes, while fellow import Lester Strong posted 13 points, 8 rebounds and 3 blocks.
With the win, the Raiders move to 5-0 for the season and share top spot on the East Conference ladder with last year’s conference champions Bendigo, who are at 4-0. The Raiders will return to Knox Basketball Stadium for a clash with the Canberra Gunners on 30 April. Tip-off is at 7pm.