D1M Grand Final Game One - Hawthorn 84 dft Mildura 70

Added 20 August 2007

BigV Basketball

Hawthorn weaved some magic in Game One of the Grand Final Series, convincingly defeating Mildura by 14 points at Boroondara. This sets-up the series for an exciting Games 2 & 3 in Mildura next weekend.

Both teams came out a bit nervous in the first quarter in front of a packed and vocal crowd, but it was Hawthorn who were able to settle going out to a 25 - 19 lead at ? time. Hawthorn kept Glen Barlow quiet, pressuring his shots enough to force Barlow to finish with 1/5. Jake Zoch was stepping up for the Heat having 8 points at 100%. Magic captain Jay Allen was leading the way with 8 points for the term, although inaccurate with 4/10.

In the second quarter, the Heat continued to miss shots, finishing the first half with a shooting percentage of just 27% (13/47) compared to the Magic's 43% (20/46). But the good news for Mildura was that Barlow was finding his touch, hitting 8 points for the quarter and 6 rebounds to look dangerous for the second half. Allen continued to score for the Magic finishing with 15 for the half, while peter Jordan came off the bench to hit 7 points for the quarter. At half time, it was Hawthorn up 48 - 33.

The third period saw Mildura fight back a bit with a 18 - 16 score line, thanks to a big 9 points from Barlow. Matt Grange was finding his range with 7 points for the quarter as the Heat pegged back the Magic lead to 13 going into the final quarter. Allen was still leading the way for the Magic with 7 points for the quarter to have 22 to his name, Seb Belfrage was strong with 9 points.

In the final quarter, the Magic home crowd got right behind their team creating an electric atmosphere. Heat's Jason Spratt tried everything to get his team over the line, having a big 10 points for the quarter, but he simply didn't have enough support with Gange the only multiple scorer with 5 points. The Magic had multiple scorers in the quarter, running out to their first victory in a Grand Final series, this being their third consecutive Final.

Jay Allen led all scorers for the game with 25 points in a wonderful captains game, Boyd Smart contributed strongly with 13 points and 9 rebounds, Matt Slaven and Steve Carter both had 10 points. The Heat's top three battled hard but just couldn't do it alone, Barlow finishing with 21 points and 22 rebounds, Gange 19 and Spratt 15.

The scene is now set for a must win game for Mildura on their home court. A pressure packed scenario, but the Heat have proven to be the best team this season, but can they take the final step to win the Championship?

Coming Up Next Week in Big V - GRAND FINAL

Mildura vs Hawthorn
Game 2 - Saturday 25 August @ Mildura
Game 3 (if required) - Sunday 26 August @ Mildura
Time TBC
Full Story at www.bigv.com.au