Late slip costly for Titans

BASKETBALL:

OLDHAM Titans under-18s slipped to a narrow 77-70 home defeat at the hands of Stockport Falcons in the North-West Conference.

And the chance to bounce back 24 hours later disappeared when the clash with Bury was postponed.

Titans made a bright start to the game and scored nine points in three minutes, but Falcons responded with two three-point shots and a basket. The pattern continued and the hosts took a slender 19-18 lead into the second quarter, which Titans edged again.

Leading 38-33 at the halfway mark, Oldham looked in good shape and, despite their opponents notching three more three-pointers, the lead remained.

But the start of the final quarter was a disaster for the home outfit, who were pegged back to 70-70. Stockport had more in the tank and clinched victory late on.

Chad Timmins top-scored for Titans with 16 points.




There was better news for the under-16s, who saw off visitors Cheshire Jets seconds 73-48 in the North Conference, skipper Aiden Kelly leading the way with 20 points.



A strong opening saw the home team carve out a 22-11 lead, and despite a low-scoring second quarter they were still 28-23 up halfway through the game.

Titans edged the third quarter 14-13 as fatigue began to kick in, but they got a second wind and pulled away in the final quarter. The Oldham outfit entertain Liverpool on Saturday.