Basketball: Saints end trophy drought with win over favourites

Published on Monday 6 February 2012 02:47

St Mirren upset Falkirk Fury to lift the Scottish Cup with an 88-68 victory in the final at The Pleasance in Edinburgh.

It was the first trophy for 11 years for Stuart Glass’ men who seized control in the second quarter and never looked back against a Falkirk side that failed to live up to their tag as favourites.

The Paisley outfit – paced by 25 points and 11 rebounds from Nick Collins – led 41-32 at half-time, executing freely as Fury’s defence folded.

And they eventually raced as much as 75-44 in front with just eight minutes left before a late Falkirk rally managed to salvage some pride.

“We’d been rehearsing for this for weeks and we did nothing here that we hadn’t done in practice,” said a delighted Glass.

“Plus we produced some form which we haven’t always done this season. Basketball’s a funny game. Once one team goes ahead, sometimes heads go down on the other team and you can build a big lead. But I thought we deserved this.”

Roni Gordon had 16 points and 13 rebounds for Falkirk.

Meanwhile, Glasgow Rocks secured the women’s Cup with a 72-60 victory over Edinburgh Kool Kats as Scotland cap Rona Corkindale claimed 23 points, nine rebounds and six assists.

Ailidh Hood added 19 for the Rocks, who were 31-25 in front at the break before Edinburgh cut the gap to two late in the third quarter. But a 13-5 burst eventually saw Glasgow pull decisively away.

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