A slow start proved costly for the Hume City Broncos in the opening round of the Big V women’s state championship division.
Taking on reigning premiers the Sunbury Jets, the Broncos were all but out of the game at half-time.
The Jets led by 13 points at quarter-time and extended that to 24 points at the main break.
The Broncos defence stepped up a level in the third quarter, restricting the Jets to just nine points, but they weren’t able to do much damage on the scoreboard.
The Broncos won the fourth quarter but it was too little too late as they lost 69-55.
Viv Saad top-scored with 14 points, with Nicole Zammit the only other Broncos player to reach double figures.
The Broncos men also suffered a first-up loss, but it was a lot closer affair against Hawthorn Magic.
Like the women, the men were left to rue a poor start. The Broncos trailed by 18 points at the first break as the Magic jumped them.
The Broncos reduced the margin to 11 points at the main break, before the two teams traded baskets in a low scoring third quarter.
It was the Broncos in the last quarter, as they made sure the game went down to the wire.
The Broncos hit the front with a minute to go on the back of a three from Lee Jeka, but weren’t able to hold on, losing 80-77.
Jeka top-scored with 16 points, as five Broncos players reached double figures.
Whittlesea Pacers suffered a first-up loss against Bulleen Boomers in men’s division 1.
The Pacers started slowly and found themselves 11 points down at the first break. The Pacers worked into the game and reduced the margin to six points at half-time.
It was an even second half, with the Boomers holding on to win 78-75. Bradley Hassal top-scored with 21 points.
The Pacers women also started the division 1 season with a loss. A poor third quarter proved costly, as they lost 72-64. Last-Tear Poa top-scored.
In division 2 women’s, Craigieburn Eagles had no trouble against Blackburn Vikings.
The Eagles led from start to finish, winning 55-36. Kellie Bailey-Lynn top-scored with 13 points. The Eagles’ men’s side came from behind to beat Maccabi Warriors, 65-57.
Import Damon Smith, in his first game for the club, top scored.
