By Tara Murray
Melton Thoroughbreds found an extra gear in overtime against Collingwood All Stars to record their second win of the Big V Women’s division 2 season.
In a topsy turvy game, where both sides had periods of dominance, the undermanned Thoroughbreds gathered themselves late to win 83-79.
Thoroughbreds’ coach Lauren Olcorn said there were some positives to come out of the game.
“I’m really happy to get over the line,” she said.
“We had the Conroys missing last night, meaning we were down two vital players. It meant we played with a rotation of eight players.
“We knew we would have to step up and it was a pretty tough four quarters
“We had to pull out of a rut.”
Olcorn said they would to continue to work on staying focused for the full 40 minutes, after having poor periods of play in all three of their games so far this season.
She said they were able to remain focused in extra time and things went their way.
“We were rewarded in the end. We thought Collingwood may have got a few more points late, but things went back our way.”
Five players scored double figures, led by Molly Young who top scored with 19 points.
Olcorn said the defence work of Rebecca Marshall and Taylah Lea had led to several steals, while Stacey Procak and Molly Young both played well on the talls.
She also praised the efforts of Allanna Procak who had the job of reducing the impact of import Nyesha Sims.
While Sims still scored 26 points, Olcorn said Procak did a great job.
The win has the Thoroughbreds sitting 2-1 after three rounds.
Olcorn said they still had a lot of work to do over the next few weeks.
“I’m pretty happy, but still disappointed with our loss against Wallan. We could have had a different game and took home the points.
“We’re still in a good position.
The men’s side had a double header, facing Mornington Breakers and Sherbrooke Suns.
On Saturday night, the Thoroughbreds beat the Breakers 88-77.
Import Chris Johnson continued his brilliant form, scoring 39 points, while pulling down 16 rebounds. He also had four assists and four blocks.
They backed it up on Sunday against the Suns, where they suffered their first loss of the season.
The Thoroughbreds came home hard in the last quarter, but it wasn’t enough, with the Suns winning 80-74.
Deakin Pereira top scored with 21 points. Johnson played just 11 minutes.
The Thoroughbreds youth league men’s division 2 side defeated Whittlesea Pacers 96-77.
MORE BIG V NEWS
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www.starweekly.com.au/sports/sunbury-jets-pull-through-under-pressure/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/keilor-thunder-falls-short-against-storming-jets/
