As it’s done many times this season, Sunbury Jets defence set the tone for a big win in Big V women’s division 1.
After taking the first week of finals off, courtesy of finishing top of the ladder, the Jets made the trip to Mildura for the first game in their best of three semi-final series against Mildura Heat.
The Jets were the ones to bring on the heat, applying the blowtorch early and setting the tone for most of the match.
As good teams do, the Heat responded in the second quarter, but couldn’t keep the momentum up in the second half, and the Jets won 82-59.
Jets’ coach Kennedy Kereama said he couldn’t have predicted such a large a winning margin before the game.
“To win by 23 points was a surprise,” he said.
“They are a lot better side when playing at home. Defensively, we were pretty good.”
Kereama said they had expected the Heat to respond at some point of the game, but his side had the answers every time.
“They made some big baskets at times, and we knew it would be a tight contest,” he said.
“Our group responded, and got stops when they were needed. We put focus on defence, and to keep them in the 50s for a third time this season is a great achievement.”
Kereama was full of praise for the defensive efforts of Emma Mahady on Heat star Vanessa Power.
“She kept her to 15 points and she had to hit some really hard shots.
“Emma got 13 points herself.”
Monique Stevens and Chelsea Burns were also important defensively, while Courtney Duever (25 points, 18 rebounds) had a thrilling match-up with fellow import Alli Gloyd.
The Jets will host game two, and three if needed, at Boardman Stadium this weekend.
Game two starts at 7pm on Saturday night.
“They have to travel down to us now,” Kereama said.
“It’s the little things they have to think about. We were mentally and physically prepared.
“We’re looking forward to a full house, to perform in front of a large crowd at home.
“We are focusing on one game at a time, and we’re focused on getting the job done on Saturday.”
