By JARROD POTTER
A SCRAPPY, hard-fought clash fell Keysborough’s way on Saturday night – downing the Casey Cavaliers 66-54 in Big V basketball action.
Low-scoring throughout – the Cougars held their nerve to post big quarters after half time – 20 in the third term and 23 in the final term to run out 12-point winners.
Exploiting Casey’s lack of height in the low post – with centre Dean Johnson (broken nose) sitting out – Kevin Benn (19 points, five rebounds) was the chief destroyer – reaching over and around Cavaliers’ young pair Sean McKinnon and Pouch Pouc with ease.
In a low-scoring affair, the contributions of Tim Brook (nine points, 11 rebounds), Adam Sliwinski (eight points, seven rebounds) and Alistair Granger had a night to forget on the floor – 1/14 from the field in his nine points, but made up for it drawing 7/8 from the free throw line.
Keysborough sits sixth in Big V Division 2 ladder and host competition newcomers Shepparton Gators on Saturday night at Springers Leisure Centre from 7pm.
SEABL
WITH a depleted line-up, owing to injury, sickness and international commitments, the Dandenong Rangers women put up a 66-55 on the road win against Brisbane Spartans.
Faith Probst was exceptional in a 15-point/11 rebound match, as the Rangers middle quarters snuffed out any chance of a Spartan chase. Amelia Todhunter (14 points) and Aimie Clydesdale (14 points) were also influential in the win.
“It’s always good to get a win in Brisbane. It’s a tough place to play and we have to deal with the extra travel,” Rangers coach Paul Flynn said. “The girls executed over the four quarters, which was pleasing given the experienced players that were unavailable this week.
“Faith Probst did an outstanding job having been required to play out of position – she really stood up and came up big for the team posting a double-double (15 points, 11 rebounds).”
Dandenong maintains top-billing in the SEABL East and has back-to-back clashes against Knox and Sandringham this weekend.
The Rangers men copped a 62-76 loss to the Spartans – with Daequon Montreal (15 points), Tony Lewis (12 points, eight rebounds) best on court. Dandenong slips to third in the SEABL East men’s conference with a 7-7 record.
The Rangers host the Raiders on Saturday before heading to Sandringham Basketball Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
