ABA 2024-25: Undermanned Denmark hold off Albany Raiders to snap losing streak, North Albany smash Sonics

An undermanned Denmark Magpies overcame a fast-finishing and determined Albany Raiders to snap a three-game losing streak in the Albany Basketball Association men’s A-grade competition on Tuesday night.

Magpies guard Adrian Hardy was instrumental at both ends of the floor with 25 points. He set his teammates up with precise passing and smart running patterns in the keyway.

His game proved pivotal as the Magpies contended with the glaring absences of player-coach Luke Wilson, athletic guard Kye Griffiths and forward Matt Goodall in the 63-54 win.

They led by as much as 14 points midway through the second half before Raiders’ Harry Watters (18 points) and Khenneth Manolo (13) began to find their offensive rhythm.

The pair were active in defence and combined for nine points in three minutes, cutting the margin to just seven points with three minutes left on the clock.

The Magpies never wavered from their trademark bash-and-crash game style typified by physicality in the paint as Jackson Shaw (17 points) converted a free throw and a clutch lay-up through traffic to extend the margin back out to 12 points.

Hardy was prolific early with 15 first-half points as the Magpies threatened to blow the game apart with a 12-point margin to the break.

Harry Watters drained four threes in the tough loss while Manolo was outstanding with slick handles and slashing efforts to the hoop.

North Albany notched their fourth successive victory with a commanding 23-point win over reigning premiers Sonics.

The Kangas held the usually supremely damaging Sonics to just 13 points through the first half to help set up the stunning 57-34 triumph.

Calum Dixon was dominant with a floor-high 23 points including one three while Drew Willcocks contributed 18 points.

David Arthur (10 points) was the only Sonics player to reach double figures, hitting two triples, and Mark Elentorio chipped in with nine points.

In the final match of round seven Barking Owls handed the winless Ambassadors a heavy defeat, powering to a 21-point victory.

The Owls found plenty of scoring avenues with Harry Watters scoring a game-high 19 points, including three buckets from the perimeter, while Hamish McMorran and John Santia (both 11) also assisted on the offensive end.

Todd Knuiman (11), Manolo (9) and Caleb Carman (9) toiled hard in the 49-70 loss.