FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

WITH elimination a certainty for the losing side, it will be one tough battle at Waverley Stadium on Sunday.

 

It will be the fourth-placed Falcons who welcome the fifth-placed Hume City Broncos to their nest with the hope of keeping their finals chances alive.

 

It is tipped to be a close match, as with most finals basketball, anything is possible.

 

Waverley coach Matt Shanahan said his side had been boosted after taking the last five successive wins of the season.

 

“We’ve had our ups and downs with injuries, but I believe we are coming together at the right end of the season,” Shanahan said.

 

“In terms of games styles, we’re both pretty different, so I think it will come down to what style will win and who will be able to play their tempo.”

 

These two sides first met in round seven, when a 10-point turnaround in the final two minutes saw Waverley push the game into overtime and snag a one-point victory.

 

It was in round 11, a depleted Falcons (without Chris Cameron – 19.8ppg, 7.8rpg and Brad Hill 17.3ppg, 7.8rpg) lost to a powering Broncos by nine-points.

 

Shanahan said the Broncos played an up and down free-flowing style of ball and would be ready to take-on what they served up.

 

“Play-offs are a different kettle fish - it’s matter trying to get it done and anyone can get the win,” Shanahan said.

 

The coach said his side was wary of the capabilities of Mike Spears (19.2ppg, 9.3rpg) and Pierre Jallow (22.2ppg, 11rpg) who, if left open, could be damaging.

 

“But you’ve got to be wary of the whole team across the page, any one week one of their players can step up and take it out,” he added.

 

Hume City coach Kevin Fleming said after a slow start to the season, his side had locked in the fourth or fifth spot.

 

“Finals are finals anyone is in with a chance,” Fleming said.

 

He said his teams had a number of veterans on its list, which may have hurt them earlier in the season but would be of benefit in the play-offs.

 

“I think in the end it will come down to whichever team runs defence better ” he said.

 

“Both sides are capable of shooting 100 points, it will be who ever can restrict the other side to 80 or 90 which will take the game.”

 

He listed Chris Cameron (19.8ppg, 7.8rpg) and Ivan Platenik (23.4ppg, 10.8rpg) as Waverley’s main assassins.

 

Fleming said he took a lot of confidence from the round seven overtime thriller, certain his side could turn the tables in this match-up.

 

He said it would be hard playing an away final, but was confident the Broncos could overcome the disadvantage.

 

“I think in the end it was the top three who cleared-up this season,” Fleming added.

 

“We now have to prove on Sunday who is entitled to number four and a crack at the top three.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For more information or to schedule an interview please contact Big V Media Manager LAURA BANKS on 0400 856 343 or media@bigv.com.au