By Tara Murray
Hume City Broncos couldn’t close the gap enough to steal a come-from-behind victory over Keilor Thunder in Big V men’s state championship.
Neither side was able to gain control in the first half, but luck was on the Thunder’s side.
They led by five points at the main break, before taking control to increase that lead to 12 points at the final change.
The Broncos threw everything at the Thunder in the final quarter and got back to within five points but Thunder responded and pushed the difference back out to eight points, winning 94-86.
Broncos coach Matt Foster said in the end they left their run too late.
“We played a good team that have been together for a number of years,” he said.
“We didn’t shoot well, only 36 per cent. We didn’t play well in the first half.
“You can’t wait until the final quarter to make steps to get back into the game.
“We couldn’t get the stops we needed late and they made some big shots.”
Jordan Coleman top-scored with 22 points before fouling out late in the game.
Lee Jeka, (18 points), Jake Martin (15 points) and Jamal Shabazz (15 points) also scored double figures. Both Martin and Coleman had double-doubles.
Foster said while they were able to hit match winning scores, it was on the defensive end that they really needed to step it up.
“We’ve had moments offensively and we have scored a winning score in every game,” he said.
“In defence we’ve had lapses here or there. It’s been all of us. We’re still getting to know each other games. Everyone is a little bit frustrated with themselves.”
Photo Gallery: Keilor Thunder vs Hume City Broncos
The loss leaves the Broncos in fifth spot with a 3-2 record, having slipped behind the Thunder (4-2).
Foster said they would have taken that at the start of the season, with a brand new team coming together.
“Being 3-2 we would have taken that with only three guys back from last year, with everyone else new including the coach.
“It’s a great group of guys who are pulling together for the same cause.
“We should get better later in the season.”
Meanwhile, the Broncos women’s side remains the only undefeated side after four games in the women’s state championship competition.
On Saturday night, the Broncos accounted for the Casey Cavaliers 80-62.
The Broncos set up the win in the first half, outscoring the Cavaliers 40-24.
Kristy Rinaldi top-scored with 20 points, while Nicole Zammit, BreAnna Brock and Azia Bishop also scored double figures.
The Whittlesea Pacers’ women’s state championship team got its first win of the season on Sunday, beating the Warrnambool Mermaids.
The Pacers did most of the damage in the second quarter, when they outscored the Mermaids 21-6.
Rachel Bell had a day out with 45 points and 10 rebounds. Danielle Reinwald was the only other player in double figures, scoring 16 points.
The Pacers men’s division 1 side had a tough weekend, losing both its matches.
MORE BIG V NEWS
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/mixed-weekend-for-sunbury-jets-seniors/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/keilor-thunder-stakes-title-claims/
