Craigieburn Eagles finals hopes are in their own hands with three rounds left to play in division 2 of Big V men’s basketball.
The Eagles are one of three sides fighting for the final spot in the top six, with only one game separating them going into the last month of the season.
The final two games became even more crucial after the Eagles lost to Pakenham on Saturday night.
Scores were level at three-quarter time, before the Warriors scored the first nine points of the last quarter to set up the 82-75 victory.
Eagles coach Dennis McNamara said his team’s past two games – against the other two sides looking to make finals, Maccabi and Collingwood – would decide the season.
“If we can beat them both, we should make finals,” McNamara said before Saturday’s game.
“We already lead them head-to-head and if teams are equal on points it’s decided on that, not percentage.
“If we can win either or both the next two games, it’ll take the pressure off.”
It has been a tough season for the Eagles so far. Injuries and visa issues meant they were severely undermanned in many games.
McNamara said they were getting closer to having a full squad, with only two players missing last weekend and as players return to the side, results are starting to be more consistent.
“We’re back in control,” McNamara said.
“When we’ve been close to full strength, our biggest loss has been five points.
“Against the top side we were in the game until the last minute and it’s really pleasing that we were within three points of the best side.”
Import Jonathan Maybank took to the court for the first time on Saturday after being delayed because of visa issues.
McNamara said Maybank’s visa was approved too late for him to play enough games to qualify for finals, leaving the Eagles without their best player if they do make it.
Despite not playing until this week, Maybank’s talents have still been noticed higher up. He was part of the inaugural National Basketball League Pro Combine, where some of Australia’s best talent showcased their skills in front of NBL officials.
Meanwhile, the Eagles women’s side had reason to celebrate after winning only their second game of the season on Saturday night.
The Eagles came out firing after quarter-time to beat Werribee Devils 69-46 in a bottom-of-the-table clash.
Trailing by two points at quarter-time, the Eagles then had their best quarter of the game to score 23 points and open up a 13-point lead.
They extended the lead in every quarter as Nicole Cameron and Natalie Stewart top-scored for the Eagles with 15 points each.
