Wyndham ticked the first box in the first of three challenging matches in the Big V men’s state championship on Saturday night.
Facing the Hume City Broncos, who have been on top all season, Wyndham showed some good signs to come away with a 98-85 win.
Wyndham coach Lucas Allen said it was good to get this tough period off to a winning start.
“It was good,” he said. “It’s one of three weeks of really competitive games.
“We started off with a good win against a team that we rate very highly.
“It’s good to get going on.’
On Saturday night, Wyndham got out to an early lead, before the Broncos took over in the second quarter to lead by five points at the main break.
Wyndham regained the lead in the third quarter and were able to maintain that momentum in the last quarter to extend the lead.
Allen said the group had done a good job of shutting the Broncos down late. He said having lost to them earlier in the season, they needed to make some adjustments.
“We spoke before the game, it’s not what we want to do, but it was what we needed to do to win and we were able to do that,” he said.
“Both teams had runs and displayed their strengths throughout
“Our players did a good job in the second half especially in the fourth quarter executing the scout and defending really well.”
Maurice Howard top scored with 27 points as four of the five starters reached double figures.
The win moves Wyndham to the top of the ladder.
Allen said with teams having played different numbers of games, he didn’t take too much notice of being on top.
“Being around the top is the main thing,” he said. “It is really tight this year.”
After a slow start to the season, Allen said he was happier with how things were starting to come together as the side tries to defend its title.
“The group has made some adjustments and added some other bits and pieces,” he said.
“They’re learning and growing. Things are coming along nicely, but slowly.”
Wyndham faces Melbourne University at home this Saturday and the Keysborough Cougars the following week.
Allen said both sides will be in the finals mix.
“Melbourne University beat us in round one and we’ll learn from that experience,” he said.
“Keysborough we beat by a point. We’ll make more adjustments and hopefully improve that result.”
Wyndham’s women’s side beat the Camberwell Dragons, 103-69, on Saturday night.
Dyani Ananiev top scored with 33 points.
Tara Murray
