Glenorchy Spartans have been quick to set the early going in the opening round of State League basketball.
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The annual competition that returns in a tournament format had the Spartans win in the standalone game on Thursday night against Hobart Phoenix, but win two more times on Saturday.
Glenorchy has firmed as the title favourites after outlasting last year’s champions Penguin 91-84 in Devonport.
The southern visitors would make it a 3-0 start when it powered away from Launceston Lightning 85-61. The Lightning had trailed by just three points at half-time.
Launceston did take an earlier victory when it cast aside Hobart Phoenix 64-56 after Troy Schaeche led the scoring with 26 points and Brad Templar a further 16.
Somerset Heat and Clarence have joined Launceston with splitting their two games while Hobart Phoenix are winless after three games and BTAS after one outing.
Wynyard Wildcats appear to be Glenorchy’s main challenger to this year’s title.
They had a strong 86-61 win over Clarence United Cubs followed by another resounding performance 94-70 against Hobart Phoenix.
The surprise packet in the women’s early games are Kingborough-Huon Kings, who finished this year’s Southern competition last.
The Kings won thrillers over Penguin 62-57 and Glenorchy 73-70.
Devonport Warriors also own on a 2-0 record and sit atop of the competition.
They were 75-60 victors over Launceston Lightning and 56-49 over the BTAS side.
Lightning had a tough start facing up against both the North-West champions and Southern champions in a 90-79 loss to Hobart Phoenix.