Semi Final Match Reports

Added 13 August 2007

BigV Basketball

Southern Peninsula 114 dft Hawthorn 86
Semi Final Game Two

It was the weekend of comebacks in Division One this week, with the Sharks coming back from a loss last week to bring the Semi Final series to one all after a 28 point win over the Magic, setting up for a thrilling Sunday decider.

It seems that Southern Peninsula learnt from last week's game, coming back with a big team performance that saw Matthew Willmott top score for the match with 23 points with Kyle Reid scoring 19 and Ben Kersenbrock dominating with a double-double of 18 points and 17 rebounds, clinching the win for the in-form Sharks.

Hawthorn struggled in the scoring department, with Boyd Smart top scoring the match with just 16 points, the teams combined scoring effort reflected in their shooting percentage of 38% from the field, 8% from the three point line and 60% from the free throw line, compared to the Sharks 41% from the line, 35% from the three point line and 72% from the line.

The series may be tied at one all, but Saturday's outcome will have no impact on Sunday's match, in what will no doubt be a thriller as the boy's battle it out for a Grand Final appearance.


Hawthorn 104 dft Southern Peninsula 85
Semi Final Game Three

It may have taken three games, but third placed Hawthorn have upset the Southern Peninsula Sharks to secures themselves a spot in the Grand Final, after coming back from a 28 point loss to the Sharks on Saturday night, to taking a 19 point win that sees them meet a tough Mildura in next week's Game One of the Grand Final series.

It was once again Hawthorn's team game that were able to get them across the line, with great scores from Jay Allen with 23, Boyd Smart with 20 and Matt Slaven with 18 teamed with great support from their team mates allowing them to outscore the Sharks and bring home the bacon.

An early lead decided the fate of this match, with Hawthorn outscoring the Sharks in the first two quarters to take a 15 point lead at half time, and although the Sharks fought to keep it close in the third, they could not get in front, despite some great performances from Rohan Greaves, Ben Kersenbrock and Dan Briglia once again.

Altona 113 dft Mildura 92
Semi Final Game Two

The Gators have turned the finals series on its head, with a surprise win over top of the ladder Mildura on their home court, which took the Finals series to the games, setting up for an intense game on Sunday to determine who goes through to the Grand Final.

It was the Marsh brothers that did the damage on the Altona side, with Nathan top scoring with 30 points and Jeremy with 29. With team mate Randy Shanklin contributing with 18 points of his own, the Gators had the lead form the second quarter and despite a fight from the Heat they were unable to get back in front.

Mildura's Glen Barlow once again dominated the play with 27 points and 18 rebounds, with Matthew Gange slightly slipping from his July performance contributing 23 points to his team's total. In the end Altona had the strength off the bench scoring 26 points to Mildura's 11, coming back after an overtime loss last weekend that gave Mildura an advantage coming into this week.

Mildura 95 dft Altona 79
Semi Final Game Three

A loss last night did not throw Mildura off the scent of the win, with the Heat making a remarkable comeback from their Saturday night form, with a 16 point win over the Gators that knocked Altona out of the finals for this year.

Matthew Gange and Glen Barlow were once again back to their usual form, and teamed with Jason Spratt who contributed to the score with 26 points the Gators could not get back their Saturday night form, although Jeremy Marsh was once again able to top score for his team with 20 points.

It wasn't until the last quarter that this game was decided, with Mildura's season form in the end rearing its head and bringing them through for a Grand Final showdown against Hawthorn next week.

Coming Up Next Week in Big V -
GRAND FINAL GAME ONE

Hawthorn vs. Mildura
Game One
Saturday August 18, 7pm @ Boroondara

Full Story at www.bigv.com.au