The start was slow, and there were a few shaky moments down the stretch, but the Navexa Geelong United Youth League Women did enough to snap a three-game losing streak with a 90-82 win over Warrandyte.
After trailing by as much as nine points during the first period of the Big V Youth League 1 matchup at Warrandyte, Jason Bannerman’s roster found its rhythm late in the second quarter, ending the half on a 12-3 run that swung the momentum back United’s way.
That continued into the third period, with the margin twice getting to 15 points.
Leading 82-71 with just under five minutes remaining, United then had to stave off a run from the Venom, which reduced the margin to three points.
However, the visitors held their nerve thanks to late baskets from Viktoria Crump and Kayla Blazko before Jasmine King iced the game with a three-pointer.
Coach Bannerman was impressed with how United didn’t waver during the second and third quarters as it has done recently.
“The middle part of our games has been a real setback, with us letting momentum go by the wayside,” he said.
“The fourth quarter saw us lose focus Fourth and allow Warrandyte to claw back within three.
“A quick timeout to reaffirm what has been working and to get back into that rhythm.”
In an even team performance, six players finished in double figures.
Big Georgia Cox led the way with 18 points to with nine rebounds, while King contributed 15 points and Crump 13.
Captain Vanessa Marsh again produced an impressive stat line.
As well as 12 points, she had seven rebounds, seven assists and six steals.
Brooke Egan contributed 12 points off the bench, while Casidhe Green was busy with 10 points, six rebounds, four assists and three steals.
The victory brought United even on wins with sixth-placed Coburg, which has played one extra game with eight rounds remaining.
It next faces Pakenham at Geelong Arena on Saturday night before travelling to Collingwood the following day.
Meanwhile, the Navexa Geelong United Youth League Men have tumbled from third to sixth on the Big V Youth League One ladder following a disappointing 91-73 loss to Sherbrooke at Upwey High School.
Despite fielding its strongest roster of the season, United was on the back foot for most of the contest, with a 15-0 run by the Suns late in the first quarter putting Luke Beard’s men at arm’s length.
Beard described it as a “tough day at the office”.
“A lack of cohesion and movement on offence led to a season-high 26 turnovers,” he said.
“This, combined with a free throw stat line of 13-33, summed the game up.
“To the boys’ credit, we got back to eight points in the third but just didn’t have the right mentality for long enough to get the job done.”
Marach Marach (17 points), Jack Terrill (15) and Bailey Bruce (11) were the lone United players in double figures.
United returns home for a meeting with Bendigo at Geelong Arena on Saturday night before joining the Youth League Women in heading to Collingwood on Sunday.
Tickets for Saturday night’s games can be purchased at the door. Payment via card only.
