The Pirates at one point looked as if they may compete in the North East division, but suffered six consecutive losses to end the season to crash from the top of the ladder and into the bottom two.
After tasting defeat against the Pirates on their home court earlier this year, the Gators came out with purpose in the return fixture at Echuca Basketball Stadium, establishing a lead in the first quarter.
Quick baskets put Shepparton out to an early 6-2 lead and the Gators continued to grow the advantage through the rest of the quarter, establishing their biggest lead of 15 points with the final bucket of the stanza.
A more balanced second period saw both sides make scoring runs, but it was the Gators who again had the better of proceedings, slightly extending the quarter-time lead to 17 by the major break.
The second half went much the same as the second period.
The Pirates kept the margin around 20 across the third and fourth quarters but were unable to make further inroads, the Gators narrowly taking both quarters as they got home 93-72.
Joey Mizzi top-scored for the Pirates, putting in a balanced performance including two threes and three foul shots.
Isaac Jones (16) and Dylan Hoare (10) were the other double-figure scorers for Echuca.
Dylan Wayman was locked in from deep for Shepparton, draining six triples on his way to a game-high 30, while Cooper O’Neill (18) and Aiden Whitelaw (12) also contributed on the scoreboard.
The win moves the Gators above Echuca on the final league table, although neither team will feature in the finals, both possessing a 3-7 record.
The table-topping Wallan Panthers will take on the Albury Cougars in one semi-final, while the other will be contested by the Seymour Blasters and the Wodonga Wolves.
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