After years of recess, Shepparton’s senior women’s basketball program returned and now has forged a win in the Big V, defeating RMIT University in a four-point classic.
Featuring dominant performances from Gators imports Yu-shan Hsieh and Tan Fung Ma, a dramatic comeback from the Redbacks and clutch decision making down the stretch from coach James McQuellin, Shepparton’s first win had it all.
The Gators opened up a narrow advantage in the first term after shooting strongly from inside the perimeter, taking a three-point lead into the first huddle.
That shooting from inside the paint only continued to blossom in the second term, as the Gators strengthened its lead by a further eight points after shooting at 81.9 per cent from two-point range, with all 18 of its points in the quarter coming inside the key as six-foot-two Hong Kong recruit Ma dominated inside.
However, the Redbacks wouldn’t die without fighting, tasking the Gators to push for victory again after relinquishing its lead in the third term to have the scoreboard all tied up heading into the last quarter at 53-apiece.
An early layup by RMIT University handed the Redbacks their first lead of the contest, and with momentum flying, the Gators could’ve rolled back into their swamp with the disappointment of another loss.
But eight rounds into its campaign, Shepparton was hungrier than ever to get championship points on the ladder.
Tamica Tunumafono and Ma cut the lead back to a tie, before Hsieh sank a pull-up jumper from beyond the arc to silence the home crowd.
Hsieh would hit from downtown again with three minutes to play, before Tunumafona’s lay-up in the last minute, as well as lockdown defence from the five on the floor, secured a famous victory for the Gators organisation.
Ma top scored with 25 points while Hsieh contributed 20 from the field as well as six assists, plus Regina Sarrubo clamped the boards with 15 rebounds.
The women’s Gators play Coburg at Shepparton Sports Stadium in round nine, scheduled for Saturday at 5pm.
Meanwhile in the men’s, the Gators suffered a 31-point defeat to Whittlesea, 94-63.
Captain Joshua Kooiman continued his hot streak while shooting the rock, tallying 22 points on a solid efficiency, but no other Gator would enter double digits for scoring as Shepparton was held to its second-lowest total of the year.
Import Joseph Allan made his first start after an impressive debut last week, collecting 11 rebounds in the loss.
The men’s Gators host Western Port at 7pm on Saturday.
14°C