Lara Giants have locked away second spot on the RL Signs Geelong United Basketball Men’s Winter Championship ladder after overcoming a first-half challenge from Surfcoasters to claim an 89-76 victory at AWA Alliance Bank Stadium tonight (Tuesday).
The Giants led by just two points at halftime, 41-39, but used a 24-13 third period to take control of the contest.
Jackson Bentley’s stunning season continued for the Giants, passing 30 points for the sixth consecutive game as he finished with 32.
James Box matched Bentley’s five three-pointers on his way to 19 points, with Jack Burnett (18 points) and Joel McFall (12) also keeping the scorebench on notice.
For Surfcoasters, who have lost the services of American Josh Chery for the remainder of the season, Jack Moran (29 points) and Ben Rigby (21) ensured their team kept Lara honest.
Another even team performance has helped Pivot City to a 14th consecutive win after overcoming Sharks at Geelong Arena.
Following a tight opening quarter, where Pivot led by just two points, a 24-8 second quarter proved crucial.
Youngster Max Zalakos produced 24 points in his best Championship performance to date, with league-leading scorer Max Kos contributing 21.
In his final appearance of the season before returning to his US College, Ethan Blythe scored 15 points.
Scott McCarthy was again the leading man for Sharks with 20 points.
A Jack Terrill-inspired YMCA has all but secured a finals berth after overcoming Vytis 121-90 at AWA Alliance Bank Stadium.
Terrill produced a dominant 37-point performance to help Y to its tenth win of the season.
Six of the seven players who took to the floor for YMCA scored in double figures, with veteran Nathan Herbert (23 points) and young guns Bailey Bruce (18) and Hugh Buckby (18) also impressive.
Yusuf Qaafow knocked down seven three-pointers on his way to 40 points, with Romas Liebich, Rokas Sobolevskis and James Osborne each contributing 14.
RL SIGNS WOMEN’S WINTER CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND 15 WRAP
Big man Liam McInerney proved the difference, scoring 30 points as Christian College Eagles overcame a final-quarter challenge from South Geelong Kings to take victory by eight points, 85-77.
Leading 69-54 at three-quarter time, the Kings fought out the contest to outscore the Eagles 23-16 in the last period.
McInernery’s inside presence was hard for South Geelong to handle, as he finished with 30 points.
Marc Allan-Goodwin (16 points) and Cody Smyth (15) were a handy support cast for McInerney.
Will McPherson was the standout for the Kings as he poured in 26 points. Kyle Meyer (15 points) also kept South Geelong competitive.
Wildcats have denied Tigers consecutive wins, coming out on top 71-62 at Geelong Arena.
Tom Henkel (20 points), DeMarcus Gatlin (19) and Robbie Kennedy (18) provided Wildcats with enough firepower to overcome the Tiger Cubs.
Oscar Leavold (12 points) and Ethan Hickey (11) were best for Tigers.
Try Boys had the bye.
