Division One Men (1^st 15-5): vs. Melbourne University (10^th 12-8) @ The Arena Annexe, Saturday 6.00pm and Sunday 12.00pm (if required)

Geelong finds itself behind the eight-ball in its best-of-three semi-final series against reigning champions Melbourne University after dropping game one 95-79. The Cats trailed at every break, and found themselves in deep trouble at three-quarter time with an 18-point deficit to make-up. The Cats were able to cut the margin back to less than 10. However, the Black Angels steadied to run out 16 point winners. Jason Reardon kept Geelong competitive with 37 points. But, he had precious little support, with veteran big Marty De Lange (10 points) the only other player in double figures. On the other hand University had five players with 10 points or more, including Scott Cuffe who had 26 points and eight rebounds. “Melbourne Uni shot the ball extremely well and we failed to find our range, coach Shayne Bow said. “We made some adjustments at training on Monday night and hoping that a tougher, more mentally controlled team emerges for Saturday's game. We can't rely on just one player. Other boys need to step up if we are to have another grand final berth this year.

State Youth Championship Women (4^th Watson Conference 10-9): Season finished

Geelong’s inaugural State Youth Championship finals campaign has come to an end at the first hurdle after a 70-57 loss to Terril Conference minor premier Melbourne. The Cats were unable to make the most of the home-court advantage handed to them by Big V after being pressured into a time change to accommodate the Tigers, who had players flying out on Saturday night to represent the Victorian State Schools Team. “The organisation from the other club was atrocious,” coach Kat Clancy said. “It definitely wasn't the reason for the loss. However, for a semi-professional league, this situation should never have occurred.” Geelong could manage just 15 points in the first half, to trail by 16 points. Jess Watson did all she could with 21 points, while Lauren Bellegante had 11 and Jess Barnard nine points and 14 rebounds. Courtney Gaze, son of Australian basketball legend Andrew, top scored with 13 points for Melbourne. “The girls did improve as the season went on and hopefully next year the team can be more settled and consistent with more players.”