BASKETBALL
BIGV
By SAMUEL DARROCH
BIGV MEN
ASHTON Pitts continues to pick up steam in the BigV division one men’s competition, racking up 20 points on Sunday to lead Latrobe City Energy to a four-point win over Melbourne University Black Angels away from home.
The United States college star made three rejections and steals, pulled down eight boards and provided four assists in an influential individual performance.
Energy fell six points behind at the first change but rallied to even scores at half-time.
The visitor made some big plays down the stretch to secure the result, clinging on to win 70-66.
The reliable Jordan Canovan hit 17 points, including three of four three-point efforts, in a supporting cast that included Cal Rees (15 points) and Jarryd Moss (eight points).
Vashon Weaver’s return to the orange army has been consistently fruitful, and he picked up a game-high five assists and 11 rebounds in 33 minutes of court time.
Energy coach Les Stothard said the win was encouraging given the side was nowhere near its best.
“We toughed out a pretty gritty win on the road for the first time for the season… they had some big bodies, which could have hurt us, but to the guys’ credit they stood up and refused to lose,” he said.
“We’ve still got a lot of improvement to come but to be two and one after three weeks and not playing anywhere near our best is a good sign for us and hopefully something we can build on.”
After falling into foul trouble early in his first two appearances in Australia, Pitts has adapted and begun to fire.
“Ahston was outstanding; he’s certainly starting to find his groove,” Stothard said.
“He’s making the adjustments required in terms of the way the games are officiated out here, just his aggressiveness offensively… and he was active on the defensive end which allowed us to get our transition going.”
Energy is at home to Chelsea this weekend.
ENERGY
Ashton Pitts: 20pts, 8 rbd, 4 blk, 3ast, 3stl
Jordan Canovan: 17pts, 3ast
Calvin Rees: 15pts, 3rbd
BLACK ANGELS
Jack Railton-Woodcock: 22pts, 5rbd, 2blk
Alex Godina: 12pts, 3rbd
Callum Repper: 9pts, 8rbd, 4ast
RESULTS
Latrobe City Energy d Melbourne Uni Black Angels 70-66
Warrnambool Seahawks d Altona Gators 90-79
Melton Thoroughbreds d Mildura Heat 83-80
Southern Peninsula Sharks d Camberwell Dragons 65
Geelong Supercats d Craigieburn Eagles 85-77
Blackburn Vikings d Sunbury Jets 81-71
Chelsea Gulls d Warrandyte Venom 88-55
BIGV WOMEN
A monster Lindsay Horbatuck double-double helped Latrobe City Energy to its first BigV division one win of the season over Whittlesea Pacers on Saturday at Mill Park Basketball Stadium.
The United States import hit 30 points at just shy of 65 per cent from the field and wrangled an enormous 19 rebounds in the 28-point triumph away from home.
Mikaela Dickson also cashed in with 21 points, seven rebounds and five assists, while Laura Joyce was the primary provider with a game high eight assists.
Energy turned in a full four-quarter effort, winning each term by at least five points, to run out 99-71 winners.
The side came out firing to post 22-17 and 23-17 first and second quarters, then cranked up the heat in the second half with consecutive 27-point stanzas.
Energy hit 21 of 25 from the line in a complete performance.
The win moves Latrobe City to seventh on the ladder.
Energy is at home to Werribee Devils this weekend.
ENERGY
Mikaela Dickson: 31pts, 7rbds, 5ast
Lindsay Horbatuck: 30pts, 19rbd, 2ast
Jazmin Allman: 16pts, 8rbd, 3ast
PACERS
Sharyn Hughes: 16pts, 6rbd, 2blk
Rachael Mckeown: 13pts, 3ast, 4rbd
Eloise Goss: 13pts
RESULTS
Latrobe City Energy d Whittlesea Pacers 99-71
Craigieburn Eagles d Southern Peninsula Sharks 77-66
Mildura Heat d Sunbury Jets 82-67
Hawthorn Magic d Mildura Heat 79-72
Geelong Supercats d Keilor Thunder 69-52
Werribee Devils d Camberwell Dragons 68-66
