ALTONA Gators extended their winning streak to five, edging out Hawthorn Magic 78-74 in a Victorian Basketball League Big V women’s division 1 nail-biter at the Altona Sports Centre on Saturday night.
The inside presence of Brigitte Ardossi and Louise Johnston again proved the difference on a night when the two sides were neck and neck for the most part.
Ardossi rebounded aggressively and posted big numbers in the paint en route to a team-high 21 points and six rebounds.
Johnston was an efficient operator, scoring 18 points on an impressive eight-of-10 shooting. The defensive powerhouse also had four blocks.
Ashleigh Richardson was the spark plug for the Gators with 12 points on six-of-seven shooting and six rebounds in 19 minutes of action.
The Gators remain on top of division 1 with the best winning percentage of all teams, but their position will come under fire in the next two rounds.
They have a tough fortnight ahead with second-placed Whittlesea coming to Queen Street on Saturday night, followed by third-placed Warrnambool, who are on a 10-game winning run, visiting a week later.
Meanwhile, the Gators broke through for just their fifth win of the men’s division 1 season when they upset Blackburn Vikings 86-82 on the road on Saturday night. Double doubles to Michael McCallum (18 points and 10 rebounds) and James Guljas (16 points and 10 rebounds) were huge for the Gators.
The Gators could not back up their efforts on Sunday,losing 71-68 to Melbourne University.
Women: Altona Gators 78 d Hawthorn Magic 74
Men: Blackburn Vikings 82 lt Altona Gators 86; Altona Gators 68 lt Melbourne University 71
