THE victorious Easter Basketball champs Saints thumped Vikings, 62-38. The 2008 Easter champs Vikings were on the path of redemption after they were finalists last year and then again this year but they were no match for the powerful offensive firepower that Saints had packed against them. "Yes, the three days were very tough on the boys. If it had been on Thursday we would have stood a chance against this strong team," Vikings coach George Chambers said. The match started off with Saints rocketing off in the lead. Tui Sikivou snatching two 3-pointers for his side in the first three minutes of the game. This was followed by captain Leonard Whippy making another 3-pointer bringing the points up to 9-0. Centre, Alipate Tulevuka scored two points for a 11-0 lead. Donald Chang scored the first points for Vikings seven minutes into the game. However, they hit a brickwall as the Saints picked their way through their defences with successful baskets for a 20-2 lead. Vikings captain, Simi Cagilaba dislocated his finger in the first half of the game but after treatment was back on the court for the rest of the match. Cagilaba, Jale Vunisa and Peter Chambers showed great defence but the three-day competition had crept up on them and they were showing signs of fatigue.

The Fiji Times Newspaper

Monday 05th April, 2010