Wallan Panthers tough run in the Basketball Victoria Country Basketball League has continued with a hard fought loss to Maryborough Blazers.
The Panthers have had a mixed month results way, as they took to the court more often than they have been used to.
On Sunday, the Panthers lost to the Blazers 70-59
The Blazers led early and were never headed.
Gemma Jackson top scored for the Panthers with 12 points, while Jayda Hunter scored 11 points.
The loss comes after a period of five matches in 16 days.
The Panthers won two of the five games, with coach Warren Taylor saying the matches they won the most important too.
Taylor said focus this season had been slightly different to the previous season, with the side’s inaugural Big V season taking priority.
Offence was a problem in a couple of those games and the Panthers played their worst match of the season against Swan Hill losing 70-30.
Shooting at just 18 per cent from the field the Panthers were never going to win shooting that low a percentage.
They quickly bounced back with a win against Castlemaine the next day, winning 58-45.
Still not shooting well, the Panthers did enough on the back of 21 points from Gemma Jackson.
It was another double header the following week, as the Panthers played the undefeated Bendigo side and finals rival Shepparton.
It was a 26-point loss, 73-47, against Bendigo, but Taylor said the match was close for three quarters.
“The effort in holding Bendigo to 20 points under their season average of 93 points per game was a small win in an otherwise disappointing loss,” he said.
Alex Darby had 13 points and Jayda Hunter chipped in with 12 points.
Against the Gators, the Panthers overcame a slow start to win, 58-59.
Kaitlyn Patterson showed her class in the win, while Alex Darby and Gemma Jackson were also important.
The Panthers then faced their bogey side Wodonga.
Taylor said a disappointing third quarter cost them dearly as they lost 70-39.
“In what was one of the best performances against the strong Wodonga outfit, we took the lead late in the 2nd quarter and looked to have the momentum but poor adjustments in the third quarter cost us and we weren’t able to fight back.
“ The endeavor was fantastic and contributions were strong across the board.”
The results leave the Panthers sitting 5-5 with three games remaining.
Taylor said the aim was two solidity second position and secure a home final.
