Big V Round 18 Preview
Division 1 Men (4th Terril Conference 12-9): vs. Sunbury (6th 6-15) @ Geelong Arena Annex, Sunday 3.00pm
Third spot is now Geelong’s to lose with one round remaining after an impressive win over Whittlesea on Sunday afternoon. Not only did the 96-79 result draw the Big V Supercats level on wins with the Pacers, it also gives them head-to-head. If Shayne Bow’s men can beat sixth placed Sunbury, it won’t matter whether Whittlesea or not the Pacers beat Terril Conference pacesetter Werribee. “There were no real standouts Sunday, just a great team effort,” coach Bow said of his team, which shot the ball at 48.5 per cent. Matt Hardiman was impressive with 20 points, while Steve Wiasak had 18 points, along with six rebounds, four steals and three assists. Veteran duo Brett Goodgame (14 points) and Lucas Kenny (13) also provided the Pacers with headaches.
Division 1 Women (7th Terrill Conference 5-13): vs. Sunbury (4th Terril Conference 7-11) @ Geelong Arena Annex, Sunday 1.00pm
The finals hopes of the Big V Lady Supercats have come crashing down in dramatic circumstances. Geelong managed to force the clash with Whittlesea into overtime. They were outplayed in the extra period, but had a chance to force a second overtime with a late attempt at a three-pointer from Bianca Cheever. It fell short, and from the Pacer free-throws that followed the visitors hung on for a 69-64 victory. “The team fought to the death in what was a great effort,” coach Darren Busuttil said. Jae Conn top scored with 22 points, while Cheever had 20. There is plenty riding on Sunday’s contest with Sunbury. If Keilor loses to Terril Conference minor premier, and the Lady Supercats can roll the Jets, Geelong will avoid the wooden spoon on head-to-head.
State Youth Championship 1 Men (7th 11-10): vs. Diamond Valley (1st 20-0) @ Diamond Valley Sports & Fitness, Sunday 3.00pm
Heavy losses to Hawthorn and Melbourne have all but end the season of the Young Supercats. Geelong dropped out of the top six after going down 119-72 to the Magic and 100-53 against the Tigers. Lewie Varley starred with 27 points on Saturday night, while Matt Vale returned from SEABL duty to lead the way with 11 points and seven rebounds on Sunday. The losses mean the only way Luke Beauglehall’s men can feature in August is if they can upset the unbeaten Diamond Valley and Eltham fall to wooden spoon-bound Hume City. “We will again go in undermanned, but the boys won't lie down and just give them (Diamond Valley) the win,” Beauglehall said.
State Youth Championship 1 Women (6th 7-11): Bye
The 2012 season has ended with a disappointing 50-48 loss to Ringwood for the Young Lady Supercats. The defeat at the hands of the Hawks was Geelong’s fourth by five points or less this year. "Our last game of the season seemed to encapsulate 2012: lost a close game, played some good basketball, lost our way a couple of times, but remained competitive and showed the effort needed at this level,” coach Grantley Bernard said. Despite the earlier than hoped for finish to the season Bernard is remaining upbeat. “The season must be considered a success from the point of view we have been able to develop some players, introduce new and young players to the program and basically set a standard that will be raised again in 2013.”



















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