The series was promoted as the best 2 teams in Division 2 Men's Big V basketball. Unfortunately, only one team played up to the billing.

Last weeks match preview said the following about Coburg -

 "Coburg are well drilled and full of hustle. Their much vaunted zone defence allows their guards to gamble a little and leads in to a deadly fast break offence. The LTU players will need to be switched on against this. Added to this is the work rate from Coburgs bigs. Although shorter than LTU's bigs, they are wide bodies and what they lack in athleticism they make up for in body position and hustle. LTU's bigs need to stay awake for the full 48 as Coburg will pounce on any opportunity."

The LTU players need this statement drilled in to their heads as it is exactly what beat the Eagles on Saturday night. Coburg wanted the ball more, were more determined to get to the ball or at least make a contest and LTU crumbled.

Coburg began the game in a man defence which should have suited LTU perfectly. However LTU apparently expected Coburg to let them have a clear path to the basket. Instead Coburg push, pulled and bumped the LTU players out of position. They double teamed the LTU bigs at every opportunity and hounded the LTU guards. Coburg's pressure defence forced LTU to dribble the ball too much and throw bad passes and when that happened, Coburg's guards were ready to pounce and punished the Eagles on the break.

Even still, LTU were able to get back to within striking distance during the 2nd quarter and Coburg switched back to their 3-2 zone just before halftime. The last time the teams met, LTU picked apart the zone and punished Coburg from the outside. Funnily enough, Coburg adjusted from the last time and their intensity and effort to contest the ball kept LTU out of their comfort zone during the 2nd half. LTU just couldn't handle the pressure and instead of keeping their heads up, they dropped them and Coburg, smelling blood, went for the jugular and had LTU psycholgically beaten by 3 quarter time.

Tim Sturrock battled hard for the Eagles and was the only big who could say they weren't beaten. Despite being manhandled every second he was on the court, he still managed to put up 31 points on 68% shooting. Davin Sgargetta was the only shooter who can hold his head high. In limited minutes, Sgargetta dropped 15 points including 4 of 6 3's. Dean Sutton worked hard but the lack of desire from his wings to present kept the ball in his hands much longer than intended. The rest of the team - MIA.

LTU know they were embarrassed. Know they were beaten. Know they had their pants pulled down in public and were spanked by a team that wanted it more. They also know that regardless of the how the game was lost, the series is 1 nil and if they win Game 2, the series is there for the taking.

LTU know that they are a better team than the 1 that showed up for Game 1. LTU know the pain and embarrassment of that loss and don't want to feel that again. LTU know what they have to do to win Game 2. There are no ifs, no's buts or maybes. Win and the series is alive, lose and game over. End of season. What more inspiration do they need to win?

STATS THAT MATTER

Tim Sturrock 31 points 11/16 FG (68.8%) 9/9 FT

Davin Sgargetta 15 points 4/6 3pt FG

FULL MATCH STATISTICS

BIG V D2 MENS GRAND FINAL

LTU EAGLES v COBURG GIANTS

GAME 2 Saturday 25/8 6.00pm @ Coburg Stadium

Game 3 Sunday 26/8 1.00pm @ Coburg Stadium (if required)

Whatever the result, all LTU supporters are invited to join the players at teh Harp of Eron on Sunday 26/8 from 1pm or 4pm depending on whether a game 3 is required