Gators bring up fifth win of Big V basketball season

By Rodney Woods

May 10, 2021

Shepparton Gators have evened their Big V basketball division one ledger at 5-5 after a 15-point win over Bulleen away from home on Saturday night.

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Assistant coach Matt Bartlett expected the Boomers to come out firing considering the Shepparton match was the first of a double-header for the Boomers, but the Gators were able to start the better, which set them up for the rest of the match.

“It was a really pleasing win,” Bartlett said.

“We knew going into the weekend they were going try and get the win against us and take a loss against Corio (Bay) going on ladder positions.

“We were able to weather the storm early and got off to a good start which was the basis of the game for us.”

Bartlett was impressed with his team's defensive work in the 76-61 win.

“Even though we are a small group, our focus is on our defence as we don't have as much firepower on the offence,” he said.

“Once we started to reduce them to one shot and clean up our defensive boards we started to build the lead.”

Bartlett praised the work of Ian Wright off the bench.

“Nick Dodd is getting into foul trouble lately and this has meant Ian Wright has had to have an impact off the bench and he has played some big minutes for us,” Bartlett said.

The Gators’ next challenge is at home against Warrnambool, with the Shepparton outfit looking to continue its hold on the Bill McCarthy Shield.

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By Rodney Woods

Sports journalist