The Altona Gators got two crucial wins as they try to stay in touch with the top sides in the Big V women’s division 1-2 competition.
With the competition to split into two in the middle of the season, wins early in the season are important to stay in division 1.
On Saturday night, the Gators hosted the RMIT Redbacks at Altona.
The Gators started well and led by nine points at quarter time. It was a more even second quarter, with the Gators able to extend their lead to 11 points at half time.
The Gators were able to do enough in each of the third and fourth quarters to continue to build the lead, winning 69-51.
Tyla Paraha top scored with 30 points while also pulling down nine rebounds.
The Gators were back on court on Sunday, travelling to Collingwood to face the Collingwood All Stars.
The All Stars started the better of the two sides and had a small three point lead at quarter time.
The Gators jumped into gear in the second quarter and put up 34 points to lead by 16 points at the main break.
Once the Gators started they weren’t able to be stopped as they continued to pile on the points.
The lead was 34 points at three quarter time before another strong performance saw the Gators finish with a 113-64 win.
The Gators spread the load with the most minutes by a player 28, while everyone played at least 16 minutes.
Four players scored double figures led by Alicia Sciberras and Aseka Ratnayake, who both scored 20 points off the bench.
The wins have the Gators up to fourth spot with seven wins from eight games.
The Gators have a bye this week.
It was a tough weekend for the Gators men’s side, which had a big loss in the division 1 competition.
Facing the Chelsea Gulls, it was a high scoring start on Sunday.
The Gulls led by five points at quarter time and with both sides scoring more than 30 points in the second quarter, increased it by one point.
After half time, the Gulls found another level and the Gators couldn’t go with them.
The Gulls ended up winning, 134-104.
Brian Adams top scored with 28 points for the Gators.
The Gators sit in fifth spot.
The Gators this week host top side RMIT Redbacks on Sunday.
