By RUSSELL BENNETT
SO close, yet so far… The Pakenham Warriors’ Big V men had close to a double-digit lead for much of their clash with the Giants at Coburg on Sunday afternoon, but couldn’t hold on when it counted most – going down by the narrowest of margins, 79-78.
The result leaves the side with just one win from its first five games, and in eighth spot on the 10-team Division 2 ladder.
The Warriors led 45-36 at the half, thanks largely to their willingness to attack the hoop, and their ability to make the most of their trips to the charity stripe. They also led in a host of defensive categories with big man Paul Phillips (7 points, 10 rebounds) back in the line-up.
Jeff Reid’s side stayed aggressive in the opening minutes of the third term but could make only six of their 21 field goals for the quarter – many of them open looks.
Warriors coaching co-ordinator Darrell Morgan made his on-court debut for the side and provided a calming influence over the group, while guard Mike Godfrey (16 points including 3-6 from three, 6 rebounds) had a breakout game.
Import Darren Galloway (17 points and 5 boards) played with plenty of aggression on both ends of the floor but he found the going a lot tougher offensively in the final quarter. He wasn’t alone in that respect either, with seven turnovers from the Warriors on just four made field goals in the closing stages.
The Giants, on the other hand, lived up to their moniker and played the game much more on their own tempo after the main break – shooting 46 per cent in the third, and – impressively – making half their shots in the fourth quarter.
The Giants were almost stumbling across fast break opportunities at every turn late in the game, while the Warriors’ open looks dried up.
Pakenham led 65-57 after three but were outscored by nine in the last. Yet with just 10 seconds left on the clock Galloway nailed a huge corner three right in front of the Coburg bench to put the visitors back up 78-77. The Giants had one final timeout to draw up a potential game-winning play, and Mabor Maniel (15 points) delivered.
Nicholas Ross led the way for the Giants with 23 points including three triples, while Harry Van Dort was particularly efficient for the Warriors and Hayden Davey again recorded a double-double (12 points and 11 rebounds) despite not being able to get his jumper to fall.
The Warriors Big V women, meanwhile, had a rough day at the office on Saturday night – overpowered to the tune of 64 points, 91-27, at the hands of Melbourne University.
Pakenham maintained its intensity on the glass all night, but struggled badly from the field and turned the ball over a massive 47 times.
The Warriors men will travel to The Steelerdome in Somerville to take on Westernport this Saturday night, while the women’s side has a bye.
