Basketball: Kings and Kats face tough tests

By SANDY SUTHERLAND
Published on 25/01/2013 12:00

Capital teams Edinburgh Kings and Kool Kats both have demanding away tests this weekend ahead of their Scottish Cup finals at Paisley’s Lagoon Centre the weekend after next.

Kings face their men’s final opponents Glasgow University at the students’ home court at the Stevenson Building tomorrow (3.35pm), a game which presumably both teams would have preferred to have been scheduled for another date.

Kings won the first league encounter 85-66 at Portobello, however, and should be able to maintain their Scottish League title challenge without giving away too much tactically.

Kings coach Doug Reilly has been keen to keep up his side’s intensity in recent encounters and their defence was impressive in their home demolition of Glasgow Storm last Saturday.

Joint league leaders Falkirk Fury are away to St Mirren at the Lagoon Centre tonight (8.15pm) and there is the possibility of an upset victory for the Saints which could leave Kings alone at the top.

Kats, meanwhile, travel to Cumbernauld on Sunday to play a Glasgow Rocks team who achieved the double last season but have been underperforming this term, not least because of coaching personnel changes.

Kats coach Ben Gunn will have Lauren Walker back after she missed their win over St Mirren through illness.

But Rocks, with home court at St Maurice’s, could potentially get back into the title race with a win over visitors who may have their minds on cup matters.

Joint leaders Polonia Phoenix could go a win clear at the top if they take care of St Mirren at the Crags on 
Sunday and Kats slip up.

Pentland Star host 
Musketeers at Broughton HS on Sunday (12.30pm).