Sunbury Jets cemented their spot in the top eight after a hard-fought win over Melton Thoroughbreds in Big V men’s division 1 on Sunday.
Against a side coming off six straight wins, the Jets were challenged from the first whistle but managed to hold off every time the Thoroughbreds got within a basket to win 75-66.
The two sides went goal-for-goal in the first quarter. The Jets led by one point at quarter-time, and extended the margin out to as much as eight points late in the second quarter, before a three-pointer from former Jets player Billy Feben reduced the margin to five at the main break.
Scores were level half-way through the third quarter, before the Jets opened the margin back up to six points at the final break.
The Thoroughbreds got within two points late in the final quarter, but that was as close as they came.
With the Thoroughbreds trying to stop the clock, the Jets were sent to the foul line frequently in the dying minutes and the margin blew out to nine points.
Mitchell Newton, who top-scored with 25 points, was impressive at both ends of the court, pulling down a massive 25 rebounds, including 17 defensive rebounds.
Ish Sanders chipped in with 24 points.
Meanwhile, it was a big win for the Jets’ undefeated women’s side over fourth-placed Latrobe City.
The Jets jumped out of the blocks in the first half and opened up a 14-point lead at half-time.
It was a more even third quarter, but the Jets extended the lead to 17 points at the main break. As it’s done many times this season, the Jets finished the game off in fine fashion, winning 90-64.
Courtney Duever led the way on the scoreboard with 27 points. She is averaging 19 points per game this season. ,
Four players scored double figures for the Jets, including Jess Bygate who returned to the side after being part of the New Zealand national team program.
Bygate came off the bench and scored 15 points for the Jets.
The New Zealand national team, the Tall Ferns, failed to qualify for the Olympics so coach Kennedy Kereama, who is also the Jets’ coach, will be back for the last part of the regular Big V season and finals.
