Lara missed a chance to solidify its spot inside the Geelong Basketball League Winter Championship women’s top four after suffering 61-43 defeat at the hands of YMCA on Tuesday night.

Both teams went into the penultimate round contest without stars. The Giants were without SEABL Lady Supercats’ duo Caitlin Shadbolt and Abby Schrader, while Big V sister act Vicki King and Kathy Mallon both missed for Y.

After a tight first-half, which saw YMCA lead 27-24 at the main break, the match was blown apart by Y’s 19-8 third quarter.

Charmaine Ferguson and Alana Hocking both scored 14 points for YMCA, while Alex Hillman (12) and Nat Wallace (10) were best for Lara.

The Giants loss has opened the door for Dolphins to snatch their spot in the top four, after they held on to beat Try Boys 37-34.

Despite missing Cortney Williamson, Mikaela Watson was able to step up in her absence, scoring 16 points.

Veteran big Sarah De Grandi paced the Bears with 12 points.

Pivot City remained fourth with a 66-39 victory over top of the table Sharks.

Sharks went into the clash without MVP favourite Alex Duck, however Pivot was missing SEABL Lady Supercats teammate Bianca Cheever.

Lauren Moloney starred inside for Pivot City with 21 points, while Olivia Cameron scored 14.

Ashleigh Rozenfeld was the only Shark to score in double figures, finishing with 12 points.

Pivot City ensured it will have the double chance in the men’s finals, after beating a fast-finishing Sharks squad 69-67.

The Pivotonians held a 34-18 advantage at the main break, however Sharks came storming home with a 49-35 second-half to almost steal the points.

Jason Reardon impressed for Pivot City with 18 points, while Dusty Duggan was again solid with 14.

Veteran forward Craig Jarvis led the Sharks charge with 18 points.

YMCA will finish with the minor premiership after holding off a competitive Christian College 70-60.

The Eagles were within two points at three-quarter-time, however the experienced Y roster outscored them 16-8 in the final period.

Lewie Varley continued his good form with 19 points for YMCA, while Jackson Bentley had 16 for Christian College.

Despite 44 points from American Anthony Kimble, Dolphins were no match for Try Boys, with the Bears claiming a 91-73 win.

Veteran duo Marty De Lange (23 points) and Steve Hyland (22) combined well inside the paint to give Try Boys its eighth win of the season.

Kimble was well supported by 11 points from Zach Murphy.

Vytis proved too strong for Rovers 71-42.

Steve Wiasak had 23 points for the Knights, while Marty Liebich poured in 22.

Cameron Mays led Rovers with 16 points.