Shepparton Gators launch big comeback, but can’t oust Pakenham in tough home loss

It was a crucial clash, with both teams sitting just outside a finals spot on the Big V Championship ladder in round 13.

The Gators needed to bounce back after a disappointing loss the week before.

Pakenham put them under the pump early, getting out to a double-digit lead at half-time.

It was more of the same in the second half, Pakenham up as much as 19 at one point.

Things got spicy, with some controversial calls going against Shepparton leading to two technical fouls.

Canadian import Jayden Coke got one of them for complaining to the referee after he thought he was fouled.

Coach Josh Waight also picked up a technical after letting the referee know his thoughts on a couple of calls.

Waight was uncharacteristically animated on the sidelines throughout the game.

“That was genuine frustration,” Waight said.

“I’ve got to be better.

“Let’s leave it there.”

With tension boiling over and Shepparton seemingly finished, the Gators ignited the crowd and went on a run.

It started with Coke, playing angry, muscling his way to the rim for two finishes, getting fouled on both.

Seymour native Tyler Best then got a steal and threw a touchdown pass to Coke who got up high for a two-handed slam dunk.

He did a pull up on the ring and started motioning to the crowd.

Despite still being down double-digits, the crowd responded, bringing the energy as Shepparton kept trying to claw its way back.

American import Devin Thomas responded with a pair of threes and ones of his own, muscling his way through contact and willing the ball into the basket.

Benalla big man Lachy Kego showed off his footwork and Kiwi sharpshooter Dylan Wilkie was on-target.

And just like that, it was down to just a six-point deficit.

And then Coke picked up his fifth foul on a potentially tough call, the Canadian absolutely filthy as he walked to the bench.

Thomas went up with three defenders around him and felt he was fouled, but the referee didn’t agree.

Pakenham went down the other end and scored.

And once again the wind had been taken out of Shepparton’s sails.

Ultimately, Shepparton was defeated 72-87, but it could’ve been so different.

Waight said it was a tough one to swallow.

“We showed what we could do when we played our game,” Waight said.

“When we play with pace we’re able to get up the court and find mismatches and find players in transition.

“When we do that, we look really good, but we’ve just got to do that more consistently going forward.

“They hit some tough shots and sometimes our positioning wasn’t great, that really hurt us.”

It’s now do or die for seventh-placed Shepparton with four games to go.

The Gators take on Sunbury on Saturday, July 13, at 7pm at Shepparton Sports Stadium.