By Tara Murray
Craigieburn Eagles season came to a heartbreaking end on Sunday in Big V men’s division 2.
In a great weekend of basketball between the Eagles and the Mildura Heat, just five points separated the two teams across two games.
In the end, it was the Heat won the series 2-1 to move into the grand final.
Trailing 1-0 heading into the weekend’s games, the Eagles were keen to redeem themselves after falling short the week before.
The match started with recognition for Mark Welch, who was celebrating game 200.
Once the action started, it was the Eagles who fired.
They led by as many as 17 points in the first half with the margin 10 points at the final break.
The Heat didn’t give up, levelling the scores with seven seconds to go.
The Eagles called a time out and then, with a second to go, Liam Watt hit the game winner for the Eagles, the scoreline reading 65-63.
Damon Smith top-scored for the Eagles with 27 points and pulled down 18 rebounds.
That outcome meant that the series went to game three on Sunday.
As on the previous day, the Eagles were fast out of the blocks and led by as much as 19 points in the second quarter.
The Heat worked their way back into the game and took the lead in the last minute of the third quarter.
The two teams went goal for goal in the last quarter, trading the lead.
The Heat hit the front with three and half minutes to go and held on for a 69-66 win and the series victory.
Smith continued his good weekend, scoring 22 points.
It’s the second straight season the Eagles have claimed the minor premiership and not made the grand final.
The Heat will face Coburg Giants in the grand final series after the Giants beat Melton Thoroughbreds in three games.
