It may have taken overtime in the final regular season game, but the Hoop City Geelong United Supercats have given themselves a chance to make a run at the NBL1 South title after beating Waverley to secure the double chance.
The Supercats secured third spot on the ladder and a trip to Mt Gambier on Friday night with their 16th victory of the season, beating Waverley (4th, 16-6) at Waverley Basketball Stadium after holding off Keilor (16th, 7-15) at Geelong Arena on Saturday night.
“I’m extremely proud of the group,” coach Matthew Paton said. “However, the group is mindful that it’s only a step in the direction of contending.
“To cement a top-four spot is a great achievement so far.
“But we’re not resting on our laurels.”
In a low-scoring contest against Waverley, Geelong United appeared consigned to a first-week elimination final at home when it trailed 58-52 midway through the last period.
But with Eve Braslis scoring six points and Chantel Horvat contributing four, the Supercats went on a 10-0 run that gave them back the lead with 2:23 remaining.
Veteran guard Amelia Todhunter restored parity for the Falcons before Japanese National Team member Monica Okoye made the backend of two free throws and then a layup to put Geelong United in front by three.
Todhuner was fouled on a three-point attempt and coolly converted each free-throw to again level the scores.
Braslis and Todhunter had chances to score the go-ahead basket, but neither dropped, and an extra five minutes was required.
After more than a minute of overtime without a basket, Geelong United co-captain Sarah Elsworthy gave her team the lead that they would never surrender.
The Falcons didn’t score until nearly four minutes into the additional period.
“With the low-scoring nature of the contest, the six-point deficit felt like more,” Coach Paton said.
“With the adjustments we made in the second half to limit Bec Cole and Carley Ernst, I knew if we could continue our discipline, we’d give ourselves every chance.
“A lot of their scoring was off our defensive lapse rather than their offences.”
Horvat, who had 17 points, 13 rebounds and four assists against the Thunder on Saturday night, was the game’s equal-top scorer on Sunday with 22 points.
She also grabbed 11 rebounds to go with three steals and two assists.
Okoye produced arguably her best game in a Geelong United singlet, landing three crucial three-pointers in her 17 points.
She also contributed eight rebounds, three assists and three steals.
Braslis had 14 points, while Elsworthy (seven points, six rebounds, three assists, three steals) played all 45 minutes.
Despite running into foul trouble, Agnieszka Skobel had eight points, six assists, three rebounds and two steals.
Coach Paton said the team was grateful for the support of several travelling fans.
“It was great to see support outside of family and friends at the game,” he said.
“They made plenty of noise to support our girls.”
Geelong United will travel to Mt Gambier on Friday for a finals matchup with the Pioneers, with tipoff at 8pm AEST. Click this link to watch the live stream.
If Geelong United wins, we will host a preliminary final on Saturday, August 5. If we lose, we will host a semi-final on Saturday, July 29.Β
Ticket details will be confirmed following week one of the finals.
