A last quarter fade-out proved costly for Melton Thoroughbreds on Sunday in Big V men’s division 2.
Looking for their first win of the season, the Thoroughbreds looked to have Mildura Heat’s measure for much of the game.
It was an even first quarter, before the Thoroughbreds opened up a seven point lead at the main break.
They extended that to 11 points at three quarter-time with the game in their hands.
The Thoroughbreds started the last quarter slowly and the Heat pounced – the margin quickly evaporated with the Heat hitting the front with just under three minutes remaining.
The Thoroughbreds briefly regained the lead, but once the Heat hit the front for the second time in the last quarter they stayed there.
A 29-16 final quarter proved to be the difference with the Heat winning, 96-94.
Thoroughbreds import Dexter Graham top scored with 31 points, 17 rebounds and nine assists – just falling short of a triple-double.
Skipper Jordan Kirk had 16 points, while Rody Spoormakers scored 14 points coming off the bench,
Meanwhile, it was a tough night on Saturday for the womens side against Craigieburn Eagles. The Thoroughbreds were held to just two points in the first quarter in a poor start that proved costly.
While they managed to win the middle two quarters by one point, they were still behind the eight ball. The Eagles finished the match off the better of the two sides, winning 64-46.
Emily Attard and Molly Young scored 10 points apiece for the Thoroughbreds.
It was better news for the Thoroughbreds youth league side, which remains undefeated after three matches.
The Thoroughbreds needed until overtime to break the Western Port Steelers.
The two teams traded the lead throughout the match, with scores 92 apiece at the end of regular time.
The Thoroughbreds found another gear in overtime, scoring 16-7 to seal the 108-99 win.
Bol Bak continued his good start to the season with 38 points and 14 rebounds in nearly 43 minutes on court.
Fernando Rios-Rodriguez was also important in the win, scoring 26 points.
In round 3, the men face Southern Peninsula Sharks at Hillview Stadium, while the women travel to Mornington Breakers.
The youth league men face another double header, playing Whittlesea Pacers and Frankston Blues.
Tara Murray
