Tara Murray
A strong first half set up a big win for the Altona Gators against Mildura Heat in the Big V men’s division 2 competition.
The Gators jumped out of blocks at their home court, leading 28-17 at the first break.
A 27-8 second quarter increased the lead to 30 points at the main break.
The Heat took their game up a level in the second half and were able to reduce the margin by seven points in the third quarter.
They continued that in the last quarter and despite reducing the margin further, it wasn’t enough, losing 94-78.
Tyson Burton top scored with 28 points in his best game for the season.
The Gators sit sixth with nine wins.
The Gators’ division 2 women’s side also came away with the win on the weekend.
The Gators travelled to Geelong to face the Corio Bay Stingray.
Altona started the better of the two teams and led by seven points at quarter time.
The margin was increased to eight points at half time and remained steady in the final quarter.
The Gators weren’t finished and won the last quarter, 24-16, to win the game 81-65.
Just six players were available for the Gators, with all getting plenty of court time.
Sharna Appleby top scored with 22 points, while Alysha Carden-David scored 21 points and Jessica Rarity had 17 points.
The Gators remain on top, with 11 wins from their 12 games.
This week they face the Mornington Breakers.
The Gators women’s youth league championship side had a mixed weekend.
They won their first game of the weekend on Saturday night against Dandenong Rangers, winning 71-57.
The Gators shared the points around, with Alicia Sciberras top scoring with 19 points.
On Sunday, they lost to Diamond Valley Eagles, 66-61.
The Gators sit second in their pool.
The youth league men’s division 1 side also split their matches, losing to Camberwell Dragons before beating Warrandyte Venom.
