The Shepparton Gators have entered the Easter break on a high following their 27-goal demolition of Bulleen at the weekend.
Led by an eye-catching shooting performance from Dylan Wilkie, the Gators claimed an emphatic win away from home in the round four contest.
Wilkie was the standout in a match that was decided due to a second term blitz.
The Gators now enter the week-off on top of the Big V division one ladder with a 4-1 record.
Assistant coach Troy Lundberg, who has filled in for head coach Josh Waight, said the win demonstrated a next-level showing.
“It was a really impressive performance from the boys,” Lundberg said.
“To head down there, without our sixth man Sam Beks, it was a fantastic effort from the playing group.
“Our bench players in Tom (Frame), Jordy (Michel) and Ian (Wright) put in great minutes off the bench as well.
“It was a really good environment to be a part of (on the bench), the team was so loud and that’s never easy to do on the road.”
Lundberg highlighted the remarkable second term performance from his charges.
With only minutes until the main break and with the score 33 apiece, the Gators stunned the hosts with a fiery burst.
Shepparton went on to win the second quarter 28-10 which saw them enter half time with a 51-35 lead.
It was a match-winning 18-2 run.
Wilkie led the way with 27 points — the New Zealander hit seven three-pointers from 10 attempts — and lit up the floor with 57 per cent field goal shooting.
Garrett Jefferson chipped in with 19 points, seven rebounds and four steals, while Matt Andronicos collected another double-double (14 points and 10 rebounds).
“That second term was incredible. It’s really hard to explain it,” Lundberg said.
“Bulleen held a two-point lead after the first quarter and it was real tight in the second with the scores locked on 33 with about five minutes to go.
“But then something clicked; Dyl hit multiple threes, we got a few fast breaks and our intensity was fantastic. That five-minute burst was incredible.
“Dylan had a really good night out; he works really hard and never stops moving.”
Shepparton Gators will now face a week off before they hit the road again in round five.
SCORE
Shepparton Gators 99 d Bulleen 72