Werribee Devils were in cruise control for the duration of an 81-56 win over Whittlesea Pacers in the Big V basketball men’s championship at Eagle Stadium on Saturday night.
The Devils locked down on defence from the outset, coughing up just six points in the first period and maintaining it throughout a comfortable victory on home court.
Star import Jeremy Smith was again at the forefront for the Devils.
Smith scored an efficient 23 points on 11-from-15 shooting to go with 13 rebounds and seven assists.
Smith is the most potent offensive weapon in the league, averaging 24.89 points per game.
Jordan Hughes was undoubtedly his partner-in-crime.
Hughes scored 21 points and reeled in eight rebounds to have a big impact.
Daniaell Herbert was the main support act off the bench with 12 points, while starter Nathan Wilson had 12 points to go with six rebounds.
Werribee improved its season record to 6-4 to move up to sixth.
The Devils will play an important double header of matches this weekend, facing the Hawthorn Magic (3-7) at Eagle Stadium on Saturday night before a trip to Hume City Broncos (4-6) on Sunday.
In women’s division 1, top-ranked Werribee Devils suffered a shock 64-60 loss to second-from-bottom Casey Cavaliers at the Casey Indoor Leisure Centre on Sunday.
The Cavaliers planted the seed of doubt in the Devils minds in the third period, out-scoring them 24-14.
The standout player on a tough day for the Devils was captain Rohanee Cox, who finished with 17 points and 11 rebounds.
The Devils remain on top despite the loss, but will need a vastly improved performance to roll Hawthorn Magic at Eagle Stadium on Saturday night.
