Wins have been hard to come by this season for Werribee Devils in Big V women’s basketball division 1, but their persistence paid off with a 62-56 win over Hawthorn Magic on their home court at Eagle Stadium on Sunday.
It was just the Devils third win of the campaign, but it moves them two games clear of bottom side Craigieburn Eagles, who are favourites for the wooden spoon.
The last time Werribee enjoyed the sweet taste of victory was all the way back on May 15.
They had lost six consecutive games before ending the streak against Hawthorn.
The Devils must have felt like a seventh straight loss was on the cards when they trailed by seven points at half-time.
Their offence was sadly lacking in the first half, scoring just 20 points.
Whatever Devils coach Mahaela Jackson said to her team at the break worked wonders.
By three-quarter time, the Devils had trimmed the deficit to four before producing their best quarter of basketball for the season in a 28-18 fourth.
Bex Van Kuyk was outstanding for the Devils with 21 points and 16 rebounds, while Jess Slade had 16 points and eight rebounds.
Adoniah Lewis provided a bit of everything for the Devils – 12 points, four assists, two steals and two three-pointers.
The Devils have a chance to make it two in a row when they host Craigieburn at Eagle Stadium on Saturday night.
Meanwhile, in the Big V men’s championship division, Werribee Devils put up a good fight against title contenders Waverley Falcons before going down 93-82 at the Waverley Basketball Stadium on Sunday.
Jeremy Smith maintained his strong form with 28 points, including three three-pointers, five rebounds and four assists.
Fred Hunter was handy at both ends with 19 points and four steals, while Jack McDonald had 17 points and six assists.
The Devils are on the improve, but remain three games outside the top eight.
It will be win at all costs for the Devils on a doubleheader weekend, starting with a trip to Whittlesea Pacers on Saturday night followed by Diamond Valley Eagles at home on Sunday.
