THE Wallan Panthers division two men secured its first win of the season at the weekend, narrowly beating Warrnambool 91-86.
It was a slow start for the Panthers who found themselves down by ten late in the first quarter.
That deficit stretched to 18 after a three-point barrage from Warrnambool early in the second period, but a Kuir Dhieu dunk followed by a three-pointer meant that the half time score only had Wallan down 47-56.
A spirited fight back saw a Jayden O’Brien three ball put Wallan in front early in the final period, but there was still work to do against a dogged Seahawks outfit.
Luke Cairns and Jordan Castle held their nerve to sink several clutch free throws as the clock wound down, ensuring the Panthers victory by five points.
It was a real team effort from Wallan, with five players scoring in double figures, lead by Nathan Aikman who had an efficient 19 points to go along with 12 rebounds and a block.
Meanwhile, Wallan’s division two women’s team fought out a tough loss to the undefeated Chelsea Gulls when it travelled down to the coast on Saturday night.
Emmie Gardiner’s (18 points, 17 rebounds) best efforts were in vain for the Panthers who gave the ladder leaders a run for their money, but ultimately went down by 11 points.
It marks the first loss for the women’s side this season, who will come up against Surfcoast this Saturday on their home court. The men have a bye.
