Hume City Broncos are through to a fourth successive Big V state championship grand final … but not without a fright.
The Broncos had to work all the way to the siren – and then some – to defeat Southern Peninsula in game two of their best of three semi-finals series.
Scores were level at the end of the game, before experience and composure came to the fore in overtime, and the Broncos secured a 100-94 win.
As in game one of the series, the Sharks started the better of the two sides, holding the lead at quarter-time. But this time they didn’t fade, they stuck with the Broncos and led for much of the match.
The Sharks had chances in the last 10 seconds to take the lead, but were denied by the defence against them.
Once in overtime, the Broncos made clutch-free throws, took strong rebounds and forced the Sharks to make turnovers.
Broncos’ coach Katrina Hibbert said the win clinched the best of three series 2-0.
“Credit to Southern Pen, they are a tough team and well-coached, and we would have been really well-scouted.
“They would have adjusted accordingly [from the first match].
“They have some super shooters, who are very difficult to guard,”
One of the major factors in getting the Sharks so close was shutting down Colleen Planeta, who was restricted to just 11 points, her lowest tally for the season.
“Colleen had someone on her constantly.
“We had to do a better job – when she was open [we had] to get her the ball.”
While Planeta was quiet on the attacking end she came up big in defence, with three blocked shots during the last quarter and in overtime.
While the Sharks could shut down Planeta, they weren’t able to do the same with Yinka Olorunnife and Mua Laloifi.
“Yinka was great for us when Colleen was shut down. She had 32 points [and 17 rebounds],” Hibbert said.
“Mua had 28 and [Nicole] Zammit [was] that steadfast player you have.
“Sarah [Wright] did a good job in the one at times.
“Nat [Karantzoulis] came off the bench and, defensively, did a lockdown job and hit the clutch-shot for us.”
Hibbert is hoping Monique Andriuolo will be back for the grand final series, after missing Saturday night with shin splints.
The Broncos will play Ringwood in the fourth consecutive grand final in which these sides will have faced each other.
