IT was an exciting fifth round of action in the Country Basketball League as the seasons fixture featured home games at Wallan.
Wallan’s women had the luxury of playing with a loaded bench of five whilst Myrtleford Saints listed seven players across the match on Saturday night at the Jungle.
The Panthers were in the race until the Saints sails were full of fresh mountain air, the Panthers were defeated in a 15-point loss, 43-58.
In a tight contest early, Wallan led by a point at the first siren, 13-12.
Maddison Tinetti found the first and only 3-point basket for its team.
The pressure from the Saints in the second half dismantled the Panthers, 17-31.
In the third, Wallan found its beat with Tinetti and Maleah Munokoa each lodging thrilling 3-point baskets, however, the Panthers still trailed 30-48.
Approaching the end of game, Wallan had some work to do but the Saints were unstoppable, 43-58.
Evie Hughes led the way with 24 points and Blaynee House 11.
Wallan’s Carley Cranston played tall, finishing the game with nine points and Chloe Mott with eight. Melissa Buckley, Olivia Connors and Tinetti got it done with six points each at the end of the game.
Around the courts, Albury Cougars won by forfeit when the Shepparton Gators withdrew and on Sunday, in a similar scenario, Myrtleford Saints won by forfeit when Shepparton Gators withdrew. The Seymour Blasters and the Wodonga Wolves each had a bye.
The Panthers have a bye in round six, shared with Shepparton Gators and the Seymour Blasters are swiping the fuel card to travel to Albury to play the Cougars on Saturday at 4pm.
Hear the men roar
In the men’s competition, the tables were turned with a 38-point win over Myrtleford, 93-55.
Ryan Phillippe was dominant in scoring 21 points, while Jayden O’Brien and Brody Thrum added 12 each as the Panthers dominated from start to finish.
Albury Cougars overcame the Shepparton Gators, 100-77 in a high scoring game at home and the Echuca Pirates boarded the ship to beat Myrtleford Saints, 91-60.
The Seymour Blasters and the Wodonga Wolves each had a bye.
In round six Wallan and the Shepparton Gators have a bye and the Seymour Blasters travel to play the Albury Cougars at Lauren Jackson Sports Centre at 6pm.
