The Hoop City Geelong United Supercats have ended Mt Gambier’s unbeaten start to the season and outlasted Diamond Valley to extend their NBL1 South men’s winning streak to three.
In a thriller at Geelong Arena on Saturday night, United, who led by as much as 17 points during the third quarter,Β held off a fast-finishing Pioneers to claim a 106-105 victory.
With the scores tied with 1.7 seconds remaining, Geelong United had possession on the sideline.
However, Gabe Hadley never had to make the inbound pass, with Pioneers star Chris Seeley called for a technical foul after breaking the plane while defending Hadley.
Hadley then calmly slotted the free throw to put United in front before retaining possession and running out the clock.
The free throw capped an impressive all-round game from the talented guard, with 23 points, six rebounds, six assists and three steals proving critical.
George Blagojevic (30 points, ten rebounds) posted another double-double, while DeMarcus Gatlin shot at 64 per cent on his way to 25 points.
The captain also dished six assists, grabbed five steals, including one that finished in a crowd-pleasing dunk, and hauled in four rebounds.
NBL1 WOMEN: AHEAD OF THE LEDGER
On Sunday, a season-best 37-point opening quarter laid the foundation for a 93-82 victory at Diamond Valley.
Hadley sparked Geelong United with 13 of his 25 points in the first period, as Grant Wallace’s men showed no ill effects of a short turnaround.
Hadley, who was a perfect 13-13 from the free-throw line, also capped his fine weekend with five assists, four rebounds and three steals and was
Blagojevic (22 points, 12 rebounds) was also a standout.
Veteran big man Ma’alo Hicks produced his best performance of the season so far with 18 points on 89 per cent shooting and 13 rebounds.
The wins have pulled United to within one game of the top eight ahead of the Round 6 Tasmanian road double against Hobart (Friday night) and North West Tasmania (Saturday night).
