The long weekend meant a smaller fixture list, but some Ballan Brumbies still took to the court.
The U16 G Boys Blue came up against a much bigger an more physically imposing Phoenix Rollers, hoping that their superior skill would see them through.
Things didn't start all that well for Ballan who, after opening the scoring through a Jack Clark free throw, gave up a quick eight points as Phoenix rolled to the basket through Mason Walton and Riley Murdoch.
Ballan eventually found their footing as Lachlan Prosser sliced through the Phoenix defense to score before Alex Bourke layed the ball in after strong work on the offensive glass. Clark hit a three pointer to give Ballan the lead before Murdoch connected on a pair of late drives to give Phoenix a 12-10 lead at the break.
It was Murdoch again that got Phoenix rolling in the 2nd half before the diminutive Prosser pulled down a tough offensive board, connecting on a cute turn around jumper.
Phoenix were looking to isolate Brumbies centre Ton Koros and take advantage of his lack of lateral speed, but the big man stayed disciplined and contested shots well without fouling, allowing Bourke and Clark to control the defensive glass. Phoenix did find some joy through that tactic, though, Murdoch and Lachlan Dunn connecting as Phoenix started to ease out the margin again.
Ballan coach Ryan Pearce made some defensive adjustments that saw Prosser and Tom Machin tighten up their positioning, Machin picking up a pair of steals as a result. That aggressive defensive saw Ballan get back into the match as Clark and Prosser were able to attack a scrambling defense. When they missed, Bourke and Koros were on hand to recycle possession.
With a Prosser jump shot suddenly tying things up at 23 apiece with just under two minutes to play, Phoenix needed someone to step up and Walton was that man, connecting on a big three pointer. Both teams traded empty possessions before Bourke collected a defensive board and set Prosser away. The guard could have gone to the basket for a tough, contested layup but chose to abort his drive and head to the corner where he connected on a clutch, rainbow three pointer to tie things up.
A stunned Phoenix almost immediately turned the ball over to Bourke who fed Clarke. The forward was fouled on his way to the basket with just 12 seconds left. He hit the first free throw to give Ballan the lead but couldn't hit the 2nd.
With a chance to win the game Machin held up Murdoch well, his desperation shot convincingly rejected by Clark as Ballan ran out one point winners, 27-26.
Under 16 Boys G Blue defeated Phoenix Rollers 27-26 Under 16 Boys G White drew with Phoenix Rush 34-34 Under 16 Boys C defeated Drummo Dragons 52-44 Under 19 Boys G defeated Drummo Dragons 34-32 Under 19 Boys E lost to Phoenix Flyers 33-29 Under 19 Boys D lost to Wildcats 40-54 Under 19 Girls defeated Phoenix Sparks 33-27
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