SAINTS are simply superb!

After winning back to back in the Easter Basketball Championship at Vodafone Arena yesterday beating Boston Red 42-26, the Suva-based club has set its goal for a three peat next year.

And will they succeed?

Judging from the team's performance at the tournament this year, the side looks unstoppable unless the oppositions tighten their laces and come back stronger next year.Saints, which also defended its Suva/Laucala Basketball title earlier this month, was the top favourites in the annual Easter meet.The side remained unbeaten in the pool play and continued their strong performance in the knockout stages.

Saints thumped Namoli 66-17 in the quarters before overcoming Warriors 46-24 in the semis.The Leonard Whippy-led side made a slow start in the showpiece leading Boston Red 8-5 after the first set and 17-14 at the break.Saints with players like Raymond Whippy, Sikivou brothers Jese and Tui alongside youngster Mataika Koyamainavure came to life in the second spell extending its lead to 30-17 after the third set and sealed the 42-26 win in the final set.

"Full credit goes to Boston Red. They unsettled us a bit in the first half but once we got settled in the second half we were able to execute our game plan and come out victors," Saints skipper Leonard Whippy said."We want to come back next year and defend the title. It would be harder but we are up to the task."In the women's final, Sparks got crowned the new champions after the side defeated Grace Taito's USP Chosen 28-21.Hot favourites Sparks with the likes of Breanna Kamsoo, Ada Dansey and Amalaini Raluvenitoga faced a tough battle in the showdown but held their nerves to claim the victory.

Tournament organiser Lai Puamau hailed the event a success and thanked the sponsors for their support.

The winners of each grade walked away with $1000 each while the runner-ups received $500.

Results

Women's (semis) - Sparks 34 Neptune Dynamic Reds 30, USP Chosen 27 Golden Bati 22, Men's (semis) - Saints 46 Warriors 24, Boston Red 52 Ne