Big V basketball: Melton Thoroughbreds rue poor shooting

Melton Thoroughbreds suffered two close losses in men’s Big V division 1 at the weekend.

The Thoroughbreds started the round at home against Warrandyte on Saturday night.

Despite having 18 more field goal attempts, they were on the wrong end of a six-point margin, losing 90-84.

The Thoroughbreds came out firing in the opening term and had plenty of opportunities.

But they found themselves down 25-17 at quarter time, with the Venom shooting well from the field and free throw line.

The Venom extended its lead to 19 points in the second quarter, hitting 12 of 16 attempts.

The Thoroughbreds upped their shooting percentage after the main break as they fought to cut the Venom’s lead.

While the Thoroughbreds outscored their opponent for the quarter, 24-21, it left them with a 16-point deficit to chase down in the final term.

The Thoroughbreds finished with their best quarter at both ends, but the margin was too great.

Anthony Kimble had 25 points and nine rebounds for the Thoroughbreds.

In the weekend’s second game, the Thoroughbreds couldn’t capitalise on an early lead against the Supercats, losing 81-71 in Geelong.

The Thoroughbreds raced out to a nine-point lead at the first break, courtesy of a 27-18 quarter.

The Melton side increased its lead in the second and third quarters, leading by 13 points at the last break.

But it all went wrong in the final quarter, with the Thoroughbreds scoring five points, missing 14 field goal attempts and hitting just one free throw.

The Supercats made the most of the Thoroughbreds’ poor shooting, running over the top of them to get the win.

Kimble again top-scored for the Thoroughbreds, finishing with 21 points. The Thoroughbreds have a bye this weekend.