Tara Murray
Wyndham left its run late on Saturday night but did enough to take the lead in its Big V men’s state championship semi finals series with the McKinnon Cougars.
With the Cougars hosting the first game in the best-of-three series, Wyndham knew it had its task cut out to take the lead in the series.
Wyndham led early, before the Cougars took the lead in the third quarter and led by three points at the final change.
They were in front for much of the last quarter, before Wyndham hit the front with two minutes to go.
Scores would be level again, before Wyndham hit the last four points of the game, winning 94-90.
Wyndham coach Lucas Allen said to get the win in game one was massive. Game two this Saturday night and if needed game three, which will be on Sunday, both be in Werribee.
“With it being only the best-of-three series, it’s important to get the first one,” he said.
“We don’t have our backs up against the wall as much. The first one being on the road and not in our gym, now puts us in the better position to close it out.”
Allen said that the group made it hard for themselves in game one, as the Cougars punished their game style.
He said there wasn’t much difference between the two sides in the end.
“As simple as it may seem, making shots at the right time and getting stops at the right time down the stretch,” he said was the difference.
“With our game style we give up a lot of points. We were able to get key stops in those last few minutes, sticking tight in defence and then able to get a few quick baskets.”
The combination of Maurice Howard and Manel Ayol was the key for the Wyndham.
Howard had 28 points, nine rebounds and five assists, while Ayol had 31 points eight rebounds, five assists and two steals.
Allen also highlighted the defence jobs of Kavione Green, who had six steals, and Adetomi Ayilara before he fouled out, while Aaron Dolny made a couple of key threes down the stretch to help get the win.
Allen knows they will need to be better if they’re to win a second game in the series.
“Rebounding is a big thing for us,” he said with the side losing the rebounding count, 48-41.
“They have a really big dude who makes it tough. Rebounding will be a big focus for us.
“We also gave up far too many opportunities for them to get in front of us. Hopefully we only have one more game [in this series].”
The Sunbury Jets lead the other semi final series 1-0 against the Hume City Broncos.
The Jets started well and were able to hold on in a physical game, winning 82-68.
