FACING a newly promoted side first up is a dangerous proposition.
New boys Werribee Devils had anticipated their arrival to the top-flight men’s basketball championship from the moment they finished division 1 as minor premiers last season.
They arrived at the Templestowe Leisure Centre on Sunday ready and raring to go and created more than a fair share of headaches for the Bulleen Boomers.
For a moment, it appeared as though an upset could be on the cards, but the Boomers steadied for a 66-58 win and showed the young Devils that playing a half of basketball will not suffice in this league.
“We’re very disappointed to lose,” Devils coach Paul Jones said.
“It’s one that we have let go. I just hope that one doesn’t come back to bite us at the end of the year.”
The Devils got off to a flyer with a scorching 14-0 run in the second period to lead by 16 with 1.28 on the clock before half-time.
The 88 seconds that followed, an eternity at this level, saw the Devils go from a position of power to give the Boomers all the momentum at half-time.
“The disappointing part was Bulleen only had three points in the period up until then,” Jones said.
“They scored eight points in the last 90 seconds. We left the door open for them.”
The second half saw the Boomers run away with the game.
Their import, Corey Standerfer, had a big say in proceedings with 22 points, nine rebounds, five assists and two blocks.
Josh Oswald was the pick of the Devils with 12 points and six rebound, Muka Silver was busy with seven points and nine rebound and Simon Bradbury reeled in nine boards.
The Devils dearly missed young star Jordan Hughes, who was unavailable for personal reasons but will be back for the Devils’ home opener against the Waverley Falcons on Saturday night.
