Tara Murray
Melton Thoroughbreds are back on the winners list in the Big V men’s division 2 competition.
After dropping matches either side of a bye, the Thoroughbreds were able to turn it around against the Collingwood All Stars on Saturday night.
The travelling Stars started the better of the sides and led by four points at quarter.
The Thoroughbreds got going in the second quarter to turn the deficit into a six point lead at the main break.
It was goal for goal in the third quarter with the margin still at five points heading into the final quarter.
The Thoroughbreds were able to finish strongly to win the quarter and the game, 93-82.
Thoroughbreds coach Mick McCallum said in the end they wanted it a bit more.
“It definitely felt good,” he said. “We wanted it more and wanted to get back on the winners list.
“We’re still not playing great basketball at the moment.”
McCallum said they had to fight hard and were able to respond when they were challenged in the final quarter.
He said he did think for a little bit, not again after the last couple of games.
Every Thoroughbreds player got minutes on the court, as they looked to share it around.
Milan Savic top scored with 26 points.
The win moves the Thoroughbreds back up to second with a 7-3 record.
McCallum said they were leaps and bounds ahead of where they were 12 months ago.
He said a good off season and adding some more depth had been crucial.
One player who has helped with that is Jeff Crowe, who had retired from this level of basketball.
“He was hanging around training and one thing led to another,” McCallum said.
“He was interested, so how can you say no. He has been amazing even just having him on the bench.
“He can talk everyone through things.”
The Thoroughbreds have a big test this Saturday, facing the Craigieburn Eagles in a top of the table clash.
McCallum said they had spoken about that game after the match. He said the aim for them was to finish in the top four.
In the youth league men’s division 2 competition, the Thoroughbreds fell just short against the Wallan Panthers.
Scores were level at quarter time before the Thoroughbreds led by six points at half time.
In the second half, the Panthers were able to do enough in each quarter to come away with a 76-68 win.
Tyson Hamilton top scored with 19 points as the rest of the starters struggled to hit the scoreboard.
The Thoroughbreds this week face the Pakenham Warriors on Saturday night and Gippsland United on Sunday.
