The Navexa Geelong United Men have maintained touch with the Big V Youth League 1 top two after escaping with a 76-75 win over Bulleen on Sunday.
A three-pointer from captain Seth Garcia put United in front, and they were able to hold off the Boomers for the final ten seconds to register their tenth win of the season.
However, it has come at a cost, with Hamish Goodier facing an extended stint on the sidelines after suffering a broken foot in the first quarter at East Doncaster Secondary College.
“It’s broken in two places,” coach Luke Beard said. “It’s going to sideline him for approximately six weeks.”
Geelong United fought back from as much as eight points down midway through the final period to give themselves a chance to steal the victory.
“The team’s ability to come back when all the momentum was with Bulleen showed great character,” Beard said.
Marach Marach starred with 21 points, nine rebounds and three steals, while Max Zalakos scored 15 points and hauled in 11 boards.
Goodier was set for a big game before injury struck him. He had nine points in just over nine minutes on the floor.
Geelong United enters the King’s Birthday break fourth with a 10-4 win-loss record, one win behind Wyndham and Sherbrooke, who sit second and third, respectively.
It also sits two games clear of seventh-placed Bulleen, which notionally is a three-game buffer on head-to-head.
United next faces Altona at Geelong Arena on Saturday, June 17, as part of a triple-header with the club’s NBL1 teams.
Meanwhile, Geelong United’s hopes of reaching the Youth League Women’s finals have suffered a blow following two losses on the weekend.
After a solid start, United could not go the distance with McKinnon at Geelong Arena on Saturday.
A 25-11 second quarter proved the difference as the Cougars ran away with an 82-59 victory.
“We had a fantastic start,” coach Jason Bannerman said. “Great ‘D’ and good decision-making at both ends.
“Unfortunately, our intent in the second lapsed, allowing McKinnon to get back into the game.”
Coming off the bench, Annie Poon top-scored with 15 points, while Georgia Cox contributed 11.
On Sunday, Geelong United was on the back foot from the start as Bulleen stormed to a 43-11 advantage at East Doncaster Secondary College.
United was competitive for the remainder of the contest, but the damage was done, with the final score 105-57 in favour of the home team.
“The positive out of the weekend, and for the last six rounds, is these girls don’t give in,” Bannerman said.
“They keep trying to work hard and try to stay in the game.”
A trip to Pakenham follows the King’s Birthday Break.
