Tara Murray
The Whittlesea Pacers got a confidence boosting win while locking a home final for the first week of Big V men’s division 1 finals.
The Pacers faced third placed Gippsland United on Saturday night, with the two teams sitting second and third on the ladder.
It was the first quarter that set the win up for the Pacers, who won 98-83.
Pacers coach Des Radoslovic said they were really happy with the result.
“There was still a slim chance they could have dislodged us from second place,” he said. “Had they won we would have had to win next week to get a home final.
“We are pretty much guaranteed to play them in the first week of finals now but at home. It was about getting the win and consolidating second spot.”
The win was the second one of the Pacers against United which Radoslovic said would give the group plenty of confidence heading into finals.
The Pacers started well leading 32-16 at quarter time. After then only one point separated the teams for the rest of the night.
Radoslovic said the start was a really pleasing aspect of the game, with the side coming off the bye, which sometimes results in a slow start.
“We started off with some hot shooting,” he said. “We led by 16 points at quarter time and were getting some quality shots.
“The second quarter we were still playing to the same level, just not hitting the shots.
“We were happy defensively and forced them into making some tough shots. We were able to create better shots.”
Meekness Payne top scored with 23 points and was one of four players in double figures.
Radoslovic said they didn’t rely on Payne to do all the work.
“Patty Green had missed the last three weeks being in Europe and he top scored [second top scorer] and shot really well,” he said.
“It was a real team effort and the team was able to fight the right shooters at the right time. It was a good team outing.”
The Pacers finish their regular season on Saturday, travelling to face Warrnambool
Radoslovic said they still have plenty to play for.
“It’s a chance to look at a few different things,” he said. “They beat us earlier in the year so it gives us something to play for.
“We’ll put a few things in place for the first final. We want to continue our momentum and don’t want to go easy.
“We want to keep our championship standards every minute on court.”
In division 2, Craigieburn Eagles beat the Mildura Heat, 85-81.
All five starters scored double figures for the Eagles.
The Eagles have already cemented top spot.
In the women’s division 1 competition, the Eagles beat the Mildura Heat, 96-68.
The Eagles sit two games outside the top four with two rounds remaining.
