Altona Gators went down 83-69 to the Warrnambool Seahawks in a see-sawing Big V basketball division 1 season opener at Altona Sports Centre on Sunday.
After a tight first period, the Seahawks gained control to lead by 15 at half-time. But the Gators returned fire to be only five points down heading into the last quarter.
The Seahawks finished stronger to make the trip a humdinger.
Point guard Claudio Campos had an impressive debut for the Gators with 17 points, nine rebounds and four assists, while centre Wilson Arob finished with 11 points and eight rebounds.
The Gators will seek redemption on their trip to Shepparton this Saturday night.
