Inverness City Lions face tough task to earn promotion through Division Two play-offs
Inverness City Lions have secured a play-off spot in Scottish Division Two, despite suffering a narrow 77–75 to West Lothian Wolves at Millburn Academy.
However, it is likely they will have to beat league leaders Stirling Knights away from home to have any chance of reaching the top flight of Scottish basketball next season.
Head coach John Kerray praised his team despite the loss and said they have what it takes to achieve promotion in their debut season at national level.
“The good news is we are definitely going to finish in the top four with two games in hand,” he said.
“It does mean it will probably be an away playoff against league leaders Stirling Knights, who we have beaten before, so it should be an intriguing match up.”
Teenager Luke Seago was the top scorer for the Lions as the 15-year-old netted 16 points. Former Highland Bears player Rodger Watt was the top scorer in the game with 21 points for the Wolves.
Kerray says his team suffered a blow during the match, losing two key players, with one facing a race against time to be ready for the play-offs.
“We lost two key players in Maciej Splawski and Owen Heddle to injury during the game which affected our scoring on offence,” he said.
“Maciej will be out for three to four weeks with an ankle injury, but Owen should recover from a knock to the knee and be back on court this weekend.
“We couldn’t have asked for more from the team.
“Everyone played their hearts out against a team that we lost to by 22 points last time.
“It was a close contest throughout, with four seconds to go we had possession and Graeme Gillespie managed a good attempt to put the game into overtime which just fell short.”
Inverness play their final home game against North Lanarkshire Chiefs at Millburn Academy on Sunday. Tip off is at 3.15pm.
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