Melton Thoroughbreds took the points in a seesawing match against Melbourne University in division 1 of Big V basketball on Saturday night.
But neither side would have been happy with their performance as both had major lapses in concentration at some stage in the game.
The Thoroughbreds started the better, opening up a 14-point lead by the first break, but that was reduced to seven by half-time.
The Thoroughbreds switched back on in the third term to race 24 points ahead before another lapse allowed the Black Angels to cut the final margin to 83-76.
Thoroughbreds coach Julie McCallum lamented that the game lacked energy and atmosphere.
“It wasn’t the best game.
“The youth league men’s game went to double overtime and we won and the atmosphere there was great.
“I don’t know if that took the wind out of everyone as our game was really flat; there wasn’t a lot of energy in the stadium or from either side.”
McCallum said she wasn’t sure what happened in the last quarter when the Thoroughbreds went to sleep.
“Maybe the players left when the fans left at three-quarter time,” she said.
“Melbourne University fought it out and credit to them for staying in the game. We were always in control but we have to learn to play for four quarters.”
McCallum said they would concentrate on shooting practice after a below-par performance and would also work on zone offence.
The Thoroughbreds had four players hit double figures, while another four shot at least eight.
Melton travels to Shepparton this week for a match it must win as the sides are equal on points.
“It’s a crucial game and if we can win we go ahead of them and win the head-to-head match-up,” McCallum said.
“The goal is to make top four and winning this will help with that.”
The youth league side’s overtime win puts a gap between it and Western Port in the fight for the top six in division 2.
The Thoroughbreds came from 10 points behind at the last change to force overtime. Scores were still level after an extra five minutes before the Thoroughbreds shot away to win 97-92.
