YMCA has overcome a second-half fightback from Wildcats to open its Geelong United Basketball Men’s Winter Championship account with an 89-80 win at AWA Alliance Bank Stadium on Tuesday night.
In a rematch of the recent Summer Championship grand final, Y appeared headed for a comfortable win when it led 53-26 at half-time.
Wildcats fought their way back into the contest with a 31-17 third quarter. They outscored Y 23-19 in the final term but fell short of a stunning comeback.
Young gun Bailey Bruce paced YMCA’s scoring with 25 points, veteran Nathan Herbert contributed 23, and Jack Terrill was a constant threat with 17.
Recently inducted Geelong United Basketball Life Member Nick Owusu paced Wildcats with 25 points, with Kale Wells (19 points) and Robbie Kennedy (17) helping to get their team back into the contest.
Pivot City maintained its unbeaten start to the season with a 99-75 victory over Surfcoasters.
In an even team performance, where five players scored in double-figures, Pivot overcame a slow start, trailing 25-18 at quarter time, before using a 33-15 second quarter to take control of the contest at AWA.
Tyler Erard (24 points) and Max Kos (22) led Pivot’s scoring, with Jordan O’Leary (18) and Jason Reardon (17) also significant contributors.
Matthew Lloyd was best on the scoresheet for Surfcoasters, as he tallied 22 points. Jack Moran (16 points) and Clancy Whelan (13) also battled hard.
A 22-point haul from Kyle Meyer proved the difference as South Geelong Kings opened their 2023 Winter Championship campaign with a 65-56 win over Try Boys at Geelong Arena.
Despite being outscored across the final three quarters, a 24-9 opening quarter from the Kings was enough to keep the Bears at bay.
Will McPherson provided good support to Meyer with 12 points.
Nathan Gronbeck led Try Boys’ scoring with 17 points. Jack McGough and Seb Thomason contributed 12 points apiece.
WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP WRAP | ROUND 2
Five players scored in double figures as Lara Giants overcame a three-point three-quarter time deficit to beat Tigers 78-67 at Geelong Arena.
Trailing 56-53 at the last break, the Giants’ 25-11 final-quarter run was enough to maintain their unbeaten start to the season.
Joel McFall (22 points), Jack Burnett (17), and Jackson Bentley (15) proved a handy trio for Lara.
Riley Pendergast (22 points), Evan Juros (14) and Oscar Leavold (12) did all they could get to get Tigers their first win of the season.
Sharks used a 26-14 third quarter to overcome Christian College Eagles, 73-61, at AWA.
Lachie Wilson stood out with 32 points, while Scott McCarthy and Tommaso Mattia Pretto provided able support with 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Jamieson Hultgren (21 points) and Nathan Freind (20) were solid contributors for the Eagles.
