By Tara Murray
Hume City Broncos have a shot at claiming a second Big V men’s state championship title.
The Broncos are through to this year’s grand final series against the McKinnon Cougars and are keen to add to their only title, won back in 2004.
The Broncos did it the hard way in the semi-finals, coming from 1-0 down against Hawthorn Magic to claim the series 2-1.
The Broncos levelled the series on Saturday night, with their first finals victory in 12 years.
The match went down to the wire, with the Broncos winning 108-104 in overtime.
Broncos coach Matt Foster said it wasn’t the prettiest of games.
It’s the second time this season the Broncos have beaten the Magic in overtime.
“It was a pretty good game, but neither side played fantastic basketball,” Foster said.
“It was a typical finals match with a lot of tired bodies out there.”
The Broncos led by eight points heading into the final break, before the Magic kicked it up a notch.
The Broncos responded to level the scores and then outscored the Magic 13-9 in the final quarter.
“They hit some big shots and are coached really well,” Foster said.
“A lot of shooters got open. We lost our way a bit, but showed character to get back to a draw.”
Jamal Shabazz and Jake Martin scored 25 points each, while Jordan Coleman scored 21 points.
The Broncos had to back it up on Sunday in a do or die game. This time they did it a lot easier, winning 118-93.
Foster said they had more legs to run out the game better.
“We had fresh legs and had the ability to rotate deeper,” he said.
“We made some shots and went back to the style that we wanted to play. It was a high tempo game and we got some confidence and got going.”
Foster said it was hard to contain the excitement late in the game when the result was sealed.
He said they had plenty of support, with the Broncos fans outnumbering the Magic supporters at the game on Sunday.
Seven players scored double figures for the Broncos in a strong team performance.
Coleman top scored with 27 points, while Shabazz scored 23 points.
Foster said the plan pre-season was to make the grand final, now the hard work begins.
The Broncos face minor premiers McKinnon Cougars in a best of three grand final series.
Game one is at Broadmeadows, with game two and, if needed game three, the following weekend at McKinnon.
McKinnon won its semi final series against Casey Cavaliers 2-0.
Foster said they have a challenge ahead.
“They have the big three,” he said.
“They beat us twice at home and we beat them at their court. Hopefully we can get the first game at home.”
Meanwhile, the women’s team’s season came to an end against the Werribee Devils.
