Geelong triumph away to Ringwood in Game 1
THE Basketball Geelong Cats are just one win away from back-to-back Big V championships.
The dominant team of the Big V Youth League (2) season, the Cats triumphed away to Ringwood, 111-99, in Game 1 of the best-of-three grand final series.
Winning the first game of the series is always key, and Geelong set the standard, showing Ringwood it has a mountain to climb in Game 2 at The Arena this Saturday.
Geelong started well in Game 1 and led 25-19 after the first quarter, but was only ahead by two at the half before a 27-23 third period gave them the momentum to close out the win with a 37-31 final period.
Cats playing-coach Paul Hutchison stepped up with a huge game, leading by example to finish with 32 points as he led Geelong to victory.
Centre Sebastian Loader was his usual massive presence, posting 16 points and 12 rebounds as Ringwood looked, but could not find answers.
While Shaun Clarke (22 points) led Ringwood and Andrew Battye (21 points) supported him, the Cats simply had too much depth and talent.
Athletic Chris Dunlop (19 points) was a key for the Cats along with Chris Brown (14 points, eight rebounds) and Martin De Lange (11 points) as they kept the pressure on Ringwood.
Game 2 will be The Arena on Saturday night. Game 3, if needed, will be at The Arena on Sunday.
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