By Tara Murray
Hume City Broncos took home a crucial victory against Hawthorn Magic.
But they needed more than the normal 40 minutes to get the job done in Big V men’s state championship.
Having played in a number of thrillers in recent weeks, the Broncos were again made to work hard for victory.
The Broncos twice found themselves in trouble but were able to work their way out of it and force the match to overtime.
The Broncos found another level in overtime to grab a 109-101 win.
Broncos coach Matt Foster said they were lucky.
“There were two periods where Hawthorn got out to a 12- to 14-point lead,” he said.
“They were shooting pretty well and we had Jordan [Coleman] and Jamal [Shabazz] in foul trouble.
“It was pretty good to win from where we came from.”
Foster said the most pleasing thing was seeing other players step up when they were given the opportunity.
Mackuei Puondak scored 21 points and Daniel Foster chipped in with 17, both coming off the bench.
“We have reasonable depth in the team,” Foster said. “Certain guys aren’t getting the opportunities they potentially deserve – there are only so many minutes.
“It was good to see them step up.”
Jake Martin led from the front for the Broncos with 33 points, including five three-pointers.
Foster said it was good for Martin to have an impact on the scoreboard after a couple of lean weeks.
The win is the Broncos’ fifth in six games. Four of those games were decided by eight points or less.
Foster said the close games would hopefully hold them in good stead later in the season.
“We don’t claim to be a new team anymore,” he said.
“We’re starting to work out our strengths and weaknesses and how to cover for each other.
“Hopefully, it will give us more confidence – if we face those situations later in the year or maybe in finals.”
The Broncos are third on the ladder after 13 matches, with the top five teams having broken clear from the chasing pack.
Foster said there would be some interesting match-ups in the next few weeks.
“It’s great to not have to be looking up and relying on other results,” he said.
“There’s only one game between third and fifth. We play Keilor this weekend in a massive game.”
Hume City Broncos women’s side had an 81-71 win against McKinnon Cougars.
BreAnna Brock starred for the Broncos with 30 points and 13 rebounds.
MORE BIG V NEWS
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/sunbury-jets-flying-high-after-double-header/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/road-wins-put-keilor-thunder-losses-in-the-shade/
