In a back-and-forth shootout, the New Westminster Hyacks made full use of its free throws to defeat the Burnaby Central Wildcats 78-70 on Monday, moving one step closer to locking up third place in the Burnaby-New West senior boys basketball league.
Although flipping back and forth most of the night, New West gained an upperhand due to some Wildcats foul problems late in the game.
"We were back and forth all game," noted New West coach Ted Cusick. "They got into technical foul trouble in the fourth quarter... We kind of widened the gap from there. We'll take it."
Powered by Mark Agoo’s 22 points, New West persevered over a long, tight battle with the 3-3 Wildcats. Contributing 17 points and nine rebounds was Norman Manacsa, while Francis Federipe chipped in 16 points.
It came on the heels of a tough 93-84 setback to Burnaby North last week, where Manacsa counted 29 points.
Cusick said the playoff picture has cleared up, with the final regular season standings all settled Wednesday night (past Record deadline) as the 3-2 Hyacks played first place Burnaby South.
As to what happens next, the New West bench boss said he feels a number of teams could advance to the Lower Mainlands. Unfortunately, only three Lower Mainland teams can advance to the provincials.
"It's really roll the dice, as good a guess as me."
Burnaby South, at 5-0, locked up first place with its win last week over Byrne Creek, who sit second at 5-1. New West, Burnaby North and Burnaby Central sit deadlocked for third with three wins apiece.
The playoffs begin Tuesday when New West plays Burnaby Central, 5:15 p.m. at Burnaby South. The winner will advance to face Burnaby South, Feb. 10, in the semifinal.
