It was the Dexter Graham show as Melton Thoroughbreds sealed their finals spot in Big V men’s division 2.
Needing a win to make sure of a finals berth, the Thoroughbreds had a fight on their hands early against Mildura Heat.
While the Thoroughbreds led at quarter-time, it wasn’t until the second that they broke the game open.
They led by 15 points at the main break.
There wasn’t much between the two sides in the second half, but the damage had been done and the Thoroughbreds grabbed a 93-75 win.
Thoroughbreds coach Joe Hooks said it was a good win with both Emmanuel Malou and Mangar Manyang missing.
It was Graham who stepped up and took on some of the extra scoring load, playing all 40 minutes, shooting 47 points and taking 11 rebounds.
“We were hugely undermanned and was really happy with way they played,” Hooks said. “Anyone in the team can step up when needed.
“Dexter took on the scoring load and was going at it at both ends of the court. The other boys followed his lead.”
Maluk Adut, Wol Wol Ngong and skipper Jordan Kirk scored double figures as well.
While Graham starred on the scoreboard, Hooks was full of praise of the defensive efforts of Ngong.
“He played one of the best defensive efforts on the leading scorer I’ve seen this season,” he said.
“Wol was sick with the flu and was the unsung MVP. Calvin [Henry] is consistently scoring 25-30 points and if he had a good night we wouldn’t be having the same conversation.”
The win moved the Thoroughbreds to fifth on the ladder with 13 wins. They have won their past three matches.
They will face the Southern Peninsula Sharks in an elimination final.
Hooks said they will have to be on their game if they are to knock off the Sharks.
The two sides have won one match each against each other, but both games have been close.
Malou, who is fielding offers from NBL and European teams, and Manyang are both expected to return.
“In this league you need to show respect to everyone,” he said.
“We’ve lost to teams down the bottom and beat the top team. You have to come to play every night.
“We’ve got to lay it on the line… And make sure the weapons are sharp and ready to go.
“We need to respect the team and leave it all on the court and then we can hold our heads high no matter the result.”
The Thoroughbreds’ women’s side finished the season with a 79-72 win against Collingwood All Stars. The second quarter proved to be the difference, with the sides separated by no more than two points in the other three.
Molly Young top scored for the Thoroughbreds with 22 points.
The Thoroughbreds’ youth league 2 men’s side finished the regular season with a 91-83 win against Western Port Steelers. The Thoroughbreds finished fourth and will play in an elimination final against Craigieburn Eagles this weekend.
The elimination final will be held on Saturday night at Melton Indoor Recreation Centre at 7pm.
