JUST one round remains in the Country Basketball League season, with Seymour and Wallan warming up for finals appearances.
Second-placed Wallan and third-placed Shepparton had a terrific battle in the North East Men’s competition at RB Robson Stadium on Saturday night, but it was a blow in the Panthers’ quest for the minor premiership as they lost by seven points.
In a game of momentum, Shepparton had a good start and it led 27-22 at the first change, but Wallan held firm and went on a run of its own to take the lead by half time, 50-49.
The Panthers held on to the lead in a back-and-forth third quarter, scoring 18 points to 17 to lead 68-66 at the final change, but it was the Gators who had more in reserve, scoring 28 points to 19 in the last term to run out 94-87 victors.
A shorthanded Panthers’ outfit saw Ryan Philippe go berserk as he looked to single-handedly secure victory, scoring 34 points in the loss, while Jayden O’Brien scored 20 points.
On Sunday, it was Seymour’s men’s turn to face Shepparton, albeit away from home at Shepparton Sports Stadium.
In a tight contest, it looked as though Shepparton would have the upper hand when a 19-point to 13 second term saw the Gators go into the second half up by five points, but a terrific third term saw Seymour get key stops and turn for home leading 45-42.
A thrilling final quarter saw both teams up their scoring prowess, scoring 19 points apiece, but a fast start to the final term was enough for Seymour to hang on for a 64-61 victory, and maintain top spot on the ladder.
An even team performance saw Tyler Best scoring 17 points, while Harry Stones added 15.
In the women’s competition, Wallan finally broke through for its first victory of the season, with the Panthers winning all four quarters in taking their 81-57 victory over Shepparton at RB Robson Stadium.
The Panthers weren’t going to let this one slip after getting off to such a fast start, leading 26-13 at the first change, and finished the game off with great confidence.
Melissa Buckley was dominant for the Panthers and was everywhere in their success, pouring in 27 points.
Seymour, however, was unable to prevent the Gators from scoring its first win of the season, with a six-point third quarter proving costly in its 64-61 loss.
Seymour won both the first and second quarters to hold on to a two-point lead at the main break, 35-33, but could not hit shots in the third term, as the Gators went on a 14-6 run to lead 47-41 at the final change.
Seymour hit the front through Chloe Dimkopoulos with just a minute to go, but Shepparton held its nerve to drain clutch free throws, scoring the win.
Dimkopoulos scored 23 points, while Aleisha Watson scored 16 and Kasey Lennox 11.
