ABA 2024-25: Raiders too strong for Tigers, Denmark keep top two hopes alive and Owls record thumping win

Albany Raiders scored the final six points to snatch a narrow victory over a gallant Railways Tigers in round 14 of the Albany Basketball Association women’s A grade competition on Tuesday night. The Tigers were out to strengthen their top-four position but surrendered a late lead to go down by four points. Keely Berry was instrumental in the Raiders’ 44-40 victory, hitting 20 points while Tatum Whalley chipped in with eight as that pair combined for the final six points of the game. Scores were level twice in the final few minutes and despite the best efforts of Hollie Jackman (11 points) and Tayeesha Weeden (eight) the Tigers fell short. The Raiders’ victory keeps them in second spot on the ladder while the Tigers are eight points clear in fourth. Denmark Magpies kept their top-two hopes alive with a four-point win over Sonics Blue heading into the final two rounds of the season. Sonics Blue hit the front early but the Magpies quickly caught up and took a four-point buffer into half-time. A three-point shot from Matilda Henry widened the Magpies’ leading margin to 10 points with 12 minutes left on the clock, but Sonics put in the work to close it down again, with Aleesha Narkle doing the heavy lifting in the final minutes. The Magpies clung on however, 32-28, as Lauren Bracewell (nine), Danielle Carne (eight) and Ashlee Kerr (eight) all lifted. Barking Owls remained unbeaten on the back of a crushing 76-point win over Sonics Grey. Dakota Bremner top scored with 29 points and teammates Keely Berry (24) and Rebecca Benson (19) were also huge in the 88-12 thumping. A clinical first half set the tone, as the Owls defence kept Sonics Grey to six points in the first period. Owls will finish top of the ladder, having won 13 games and drawn one, and sit nine points clear of the second-placed Raiders.