Shepparton Gators pulled off a tough home win over Gippsland United 75-68 on Saturday night in Big V Division One action after they withstood a late charge from the visitors.
After trailing by as much as 14 points, Gippsland had a late surge to make it a one possession game, and chipped the margin to three points with a few minutes left in the fourth quarter.
Gators captain Matt Bartlett was forced into a tough pull-up three jumper ― with the shot clock winding down in the final minute ― and iced it to deflate Gippsland’s efforts and close the game out for the Gators.
Gators came out the gate with intensity, with Kiwi import Josh Kooiman hitting a pair of threes to start the game.
The home side was up by 12 at the half, looking comfortable, before Gippsland mounted a comeback and made things hairy in the fourth quarter.
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Court vision: Josh Kooiman initiating the offence. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 2 of 8
Floormaster: Captain Matt Bartlett dished out nine dimes. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 3 of 8
Lockdown: Derek Murphy in traffic. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 4 of 8
Clutch: Matthew Bartlett. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 5 of 8
Loud and proud: Supporters at Shepparton Sports Stadium. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 6 of 8
Impact player: Jordan Michel racked up two quick assists in limited minutes. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 7 of 8
In the zone: Derek Murphy posts up. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 8 of 8
Paint beast: Matt Andronicos. Photo by Rechelle ZammitGators coach Josh Waight said he liked what he saw from the team despite it being touch-and-go late in the game.
“We dug deep towards the end, we didn’t play our best basketball at times, but we found a way to get it done which was really pleasing,” Waight said.
“It’s really important to win in a variety of ways, hard slogs and we know as a group our best basketball will be at the end of the year, so we’re just finding ways to win games and hopefully put ourselves in a really good position at the end of the year.”
Waight said he was impressed by recruit Staci Richardson and his valuable contribution off the bench.
Richardson ended the round four contest with 14 points, three steals and two assists.
“Staci was excellent tonight, he did a really good job,” Waight said.
“He just keeps taking leaps and bounds forward every week, we’re really pleased with what he’s offering to the group.”
Richardson said it was by far his best performance of the year.
“I probably haven’t been playing great offensively, but it was good to turn it tonight,” he said.
“Honestly, whatever the team needs, I’m just trying to do that.
“If we’ve got Derek (Murphy) and Josh (Kooiman) scoring, I’m on defence, if they can’t get it offensively going I’m happy to try and step in.”
Top performers
Staci Richardson: 14 points, 2 assists and 3 steals.
Matt Bartlett: 12 points, 5 rebounds and 9 assists.
Josh Kooiman: 15 points, 3 assists.
Matt Andronicos: 13 points, 13 rebounds and 4 blocks.
Richardson said it was an awesome result, a real “grind-out win”.
The Gators stay third on the Big V Division One men’s ladder, set to face fifth-placed Warrandyte Venom on Saturday at 7pm at Shepparton Sports Stadium.
“Warrandyte are a really tough group and we’re really excited to have them here next week,” Waight said.
“That gives us four (wins) and one (loss), we set a goal at the start of the year and we broke our season up into different games, and we’ve achieved that at the moment, we have to keep building and keep getting better.”
You can view exclusive video highlights and an interview with Staci Richardson on Instagram or TikTok.