By Tara Murray
Bacchus Marsh Lions had to come from behind to keep their winning streak alive in the Country Basketball League south-west men’s competition.
The top four match-up against Bellarine Storm was a good test for the Lions and their strong finals ambitions.
The Lions trailing at three-quarter time but snuck home 65-63.
Lions co-coach Jeff Feben said that for most of the night, luck hadn’t gone their way.
“It was really close and we trailed for most of the game,” he said.
“It was one of those games that was a real tough, grinding game. The ball didn’t want to go into the hole, but we were able to keep in it.
“We got into a position to win in the last quarter and were able to step up and get the win.”
Feben said that despite trailing at three-quarter time, the Lions had been confident. While not at full strength, the Lions had more bodies to use, with the Storm travelling with just eight players.
Feben said they looked to exploit that superiority in the last quarter as the Storm players tired.
“We managed to get back into the game in the last quarter,” he said. “We pushed the hammer in the back court and it paid off for us. We really pushed up the last six to seven minutes.
“Diquan Williams came on and really attacked the basket with his speed and leap … it helps when your two captains step up, as they always tend to do.”
It was those two captains who top scored – Billy Feben scoring 22 points and Jordan Kirk 19.
The win moves the Lions above the Storm, with the Lions now sitting in third on the back of six straight wins.
Jeff Feben said the win was an important one as it came against a side that looks likely to play finals.
The top four sides – Horsham Hornets, Mt Gambier Lakers, the Lions and the Storm – have a gap on the rest of the competition.
The Lions will this week face Colac Kookas before a break for Christmas.
They then have three games after Christmas, including against Mt Gambier in the final round.
Feben said a win this weekend would put them in a good position with the break coming.
“We’re sitting 8-2 and would like to go into Christmas 9-2,” he said.
“Every game is a must-win game. We’ll look to regroup and come back and look at finals.
“Hopefully, we’ll have a full team back after Christmas.”
MORE CBL NEWS
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/kyneton-tigers-fall-at-final-hurdle/
