Tara Murray
The Whittlesea Pacers sent a statement to the Altona Gators as they booked a spot in the Big V men’s division 2 grand final.
After narrowly losing a semi final to the Gators, the Pacers had to win through to the grand final the hard way.
On Saturday night, the Pacers easily accounted for the Wallan Panthers in the preliminary final, winning 104-66.
Pacers coach Des Radoslovic was thrilled with the performance of the group against the Panthers.
“We wanted to make a statement last [Saturday] night and we did it for the full four quarters,” he said.
“We didn’t think we played that bad last week and played well in quite a few areas. We just played it safe and not in tune with our brand and our identity.
“It was about playing the game on our terms and playing to our style and strength and we played well.”
The Pacers led by four points at quarter time, before breaking the game open in the second quarter to lead by 27 points at half time.
The Pacers won each of the last two quarters to come away with the big win.
Radoslovic said they knew that their game style would eventually take its toll on the Panthers.
“We have a high intensity defensive and a fast moving offensive,” he said.
“We have a bit more depth than other sides and we still left some points out on the court.
“Wallan started well, but there comes a period when teams can’t run with us.
“Whether it’s half way through the second quarter or in the third, we break them.”
The Pacers had four players in double figures led by Brendan Hughes with 26 points coming off the bench.
Every player also got court time.
Radoslovic said they knew their depth would show in big matches like this. He said at times training was harder than games with the talent that they have in the squad.
“Brendan Hughes came off the bench and gave us 26 points,” he said. “Jason Dirkx has two points.
“Next week it could be Dirkx getting 26 points. We don’t rely on one or two players
“We have a good even spread and go right down to eight or nine.”
The Pacers now face Altona in the grand final at Altona. The Gators are the only team to beat the Pacers this season.
Radoslovic said they were looking forward to the challenge.
“We were the best team all season and they were the second best team looking at results,” he said.
“We expected to play them in the grand final. As we sit now, Altona had the week off and we had a really strong performance last [Saturday] night.
“We will be at full strength and we think that we are better placed than if we had scrapped across the line in the first final.”
There were mixed results for the Pacers youth league sides in their grand finals.
The youth league two women’s side stunned Bellarine, winning 88-40.
The Pacers run included an incredible 28-1 third quarter.
Indiana Bodley was named best on court for her performance which included 19 points.
Radoslovic said they were hoping this was the start of getting a women’s side back up and running next season.
It was heartbreak for the youth league men’s 2 side, losing to the Sunbury Jets in overtime.
The Pacers missed a shot on the buzz of regular time to get the win, before falling 74-71 in overtime.
