By Tara Murray
Bacchus Marsh Lions proved no match for Mt Gambier Lakers in the final round of the Country Basketball League south west men’s competition.
With both sides already assured a finals spot, it was a good chance to test themselves.
The match, though, wasn’t close at all, with the Lakers dominating from the start, winning 113-77.
Lions co-coach Jeff Feben said it was a case of the better side getting the win.
“It was a very tough night at the office,” he said. “They shot the lights out and they’ve got great players and are a great team.
“You can stop one or two players, but nearly anyone in their team could shoot at least 70 per cent.
“I think they are a class above the rest of the league.”
While the Lakers shot well, their defence was also strong.
Feben said they didn’t allow the Lions shooters to get free and put the score on the board.
Jordan Kirk top-scored with 15 points as five Lions players scored double figures.
Feben said the standout for the Lions was Josh Borninkhof.
“Josh stepped up,” Feben said.
“He’s one of our under-21 boys and he was playing taller and bigger than what he is. We made special mention of him after the game.”
The loss is the Lions second in a row, but Feben isn’t concerned.
He said they had never pencilled the Lakers game in as a win.
“We would like to be in winning form. The effort the previous round was not where it should have been.
“We played better this week.”
The Lions now move onto finals.
Feben said the aim pre-season had been to finish in the top four in their first season and they had been able to do that.
“Our first aim was to make the top four and we’ve done that.
“We would like to get a finals win as well now and see what happens.”
The Lions will face the Portland Coasters in the first week of the finals. The Lions defeated the Coasters during the season.
“Portland was a tougher match and they gave us a hard hit-out while we didn’t have a full team. It’s a tough one, but it’s winnable.”
Feben said the opportunity to play a home final in their first season was massive for the association. “We’re starting to get a good crowd at games and each week they are exposed to men’s basketball which is one of the pluses.”
The Lions will host the final at 8pm on Friday night.
MORE CBL NEWS
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/kyneton-tigers-roller-coaster-weekend-before-finals-countdown/
