By Tara Murray
Kyneton Tigers have let slip the perfect opportunity to knock off top side Bendigo Braves in the Country Basketball League north-east women’s competition.
The previous time the two sides faced each other, the Tigers had pushed the Braves all the way.
For three quarters on Saturday night, Kyneton looked like it would be the first team to beat the Braves this season.
However the Tigers went from one extreme to the other, eventually losing 80-64.
Tigers coach Chris Tighe said he was not happy after the game.
“I’m not sure if it was a fitness thing – we weren’t getting to our spots in transition and they were getting fast breaks,” he said.
“Everything fell apart in the fourth quarter – I’ve never seen us play like that before. It’s something we’ll work on this week.”
Tighe said that for the first three quarters,
the Tigers had played some really good basketball.
They led by 16 points at the first break, having kept the Braves to just six points.
“The first three quarters were awesome,” Tighe said.
“We started out really well. There was a delay before the game and it rattled Bendigo.
“We still led by eight points in the third quarter.”
Michelle Fletcher, who was the only Tiger to reach double figures, finished with 14 points.
The loss means the Tigers have slipped from second to third, with two of their three losses coming at the hands of the Braves.
Tighe said that in his mind, his side should be higher on the ladder.
“We’re better than that,” he said. “Losing to Swan Hill in the first round wasn’t ideal.
“If we had stayed focused, we would have been the first team to beat Bendigo.
“Hopefully, if we play them in finals we can beat them then.”
The Tigers have a road trip this weekend, facing Wodonga Lady Wolves and then Wangaratta Lady Warriors.
Tighe said they wanted to get back that winning spirit and enter the Christmas break on a high.
MORE CBL NEWS
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/bacchus-marsh-battles-back-for-a-tough-victory/
