A comeback for the ages and the most even of team performances has seen the Hoop City Geelong United Supercats women square their win-loss ledger and move into the NBL1 South top eight for the first time this season.
Geelong United appeared headed for a third consecutive loss when it trailed Sandringham 67-49 at half-time at Geelong Arena on Friday night.
However, a stunning defensive performance in the third quarter in which Matthew Paton’s team conceded just two points in eight minutes helped the Supercats back into the contest.
A 25-15 final term capped one of the most memorable comebacks in program history, with Geelong United claiming a 92-89 victory.
Ella Tofaeono claimed the Anzac Medal for her 19 points and 17 rebounds.
Co-captain Sarah Elsworthy and Eve Braslis both finished with 23 points, with Braslis shooting the ball at 89 per cent.
Monica Okoye’s 17 points also proved crucial, as did eight points off the bench from Nyidier Riak.
On Saturday night at Casey Stadium, Geelong United got an early jump on the home team and outscored the Cavaliers in every quarter from them on to claim a 90-61 result.
One of four players to score 17 points for Geelong United alongside Braslis, Tofaeono and Jessica Scannell, Elsworthy was a worthy Anzac Medal winner.
In another highlight, teenager Macey Bowie scored four points, grabbed two rebounds and dished an assist in just under eight minutes on the floor.
“The Friday night game was a game of two halves,” Paton said.
“The communication in the locker room at half-time, and even during timeouts in the first half, was a general concern that we just hadn’t switched on and focused and paid due respect to our opponent.
“We made some key adjustments at half-time, and I was very pleased that the players could apply that and stick to that tactical change.
“We genuinely carried that momentum into the Saturday game, and the players knew what they could expect of themselves and each other and held themselves to a higher standard.”
It was a tough weekend for the Hoop City Geelong United Supercats men, with losses to both the Sabres and Cavaliers.
Gabe Hadley (29 points, five assists, four rebounds, four steals) and George Blagojevic (25 points, 11 rebounds, five assists) did all they could to get Geelong United over the line.
A highlight of the night was the debut of Navexa Geelong United Youth League captain Seth Garcia, who scored five points in just under 90 seconds on the floor.
However, a 30-point game from Sandringham star Ben Ayre ensured the Sabres left Geelong Arena with the W.
On Saturday night at Casey Stadium, Geelong United was always on the back foot against the Cavaliers.
Trailing 22-15 at quarter time, the home team put the game out of reach with a 29-11 second period, which turned a seven-point advantage into a 25-point buffer at half-time.
Hadley was the lone double-figure scorer for Geelong United.
He finished with 16 points but was only allowed ten shots by a stingy Cavaliers defence.
Both the Hoop City Geelong United Supercats women and men now face meetings with Frankston on Saturday night at Geelong Arena.
Tickets are available online via the link
