By JARROD POTTER
BIG V – ROUND 11
THE COUGAR cry was not enough to knock over Pakenham as Keysborough fell 66-75 in a hard-fought BIGV Division-2 clash.
Despite putting the foot down in the second term – knocking in a match-high 26 points on the back of Malcolm Heard (25 points, 14 rebounds) and Steven Hadrell (14 points) – Keysborough could not find the basket consistently in the second half.
The interesting battle between Heard and Pakenham point guard Darren Galloway (24 points, 8 rebounds) captivated the crowd at Cardinia Life as the Warriors started to mount their getaway.
Outshooting the Cougars 22-11 down the stretch, Pakenham showed its credentials as a Division-2 threat while Keysborough is left to wonder what could have been in the nine-point loss.
The Cougars head to North East next weekend to build on its 8-2 record.
Keysborough’s women faced Chelsea on Sunday afternoon after the Journal went to print. The women’s side will host Mornington on Saturday 13 June after the Queen’s Birthday break.
SEABL – ROUND 8
RUNNING down the fast moving Braves, Dandenong knocked in a 93-92 triumph as familiar faces tested the Rangers.
Facing former Ranger Tony Lewis (24 points, 17 rebounds) for the first time since his off-season switch to Bendigo, Dandenong had to battle to stay in the Round-8 clash.
The Rangers had to hold off the fast finishing Braves, but the likes of Daequon Montreal (27 points), Lucas Walker (16 points) and Chris Patton (15 points) were able to dominate under the hoop.
Three wins in a row pushes Dandenong men up to fourth in SEABL East before battling Frankston.
Not even the temporary return of Bendigo legend Bernie Harrower to the Braves’ women’s coaching ranks could help the home side contain Dandenong.
The Rangers stormed away to take the 93-72 win on the back of exceptional shooting from Clare Papavs (26 points, 10 rebounds), Tenaya Phillips (17 points) and up-and-comer Bree Whatman (16 points).
The 9-2 Rangers sit first in SEABL East Conference and host Frankston on 13 June after the Queen’s Birthday holiday.