ALTONA Gators gave arch-rivals Werribee Devils a major scare in the Victorian Basketball League Big V men’s division1 western derby at Altona Sports Centre on Sunday.
The Gators burst out of the blocks to lead by 10 points at half-time.
It was a wake-up call for the league-leading Devils, who mounted a spirited second half fightback to win 100-92 in an action-packed game.
The Gators’ lead was built on a 30-point opening period, where they hit four-of-six from beyond the three-point arc to complement impressive 11-of-20 shooting.
The ball was shared on the offensive end with six players reaching double-figure points.
James Guljas was at his best with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Eight of his boards were on the offensive glass.
Mark Linnett had a team-high 20 points.
The problems for the Gators came on the defensive end in the second half.
Leaking 33 points in the third period was the beginning of their troubles.
It gave the Devils a sniff of victory and they pounced on the ‘w’ in the fourth.
A dream ending it was not, but the Gators can take plenty of confidence out of the game to suggest they can match it with the best teams in the competition.
They face another premiership hopeful in Mildura on the road on Saturday night.
– Lance Jenkinson
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