LIAM DURKIN
BASKETBALL
BIG V
By LIAM DURKIN
GIPPSLAND United men continued on their winning way in Big V basketball.
The team travelled to Mildura, and completed a convincing 113-79 victory, taking their ledger to eight wins from nine starts.
Gippsland has maintained second position on the ladder, but now boasts the highest percentage out of the competition, which will surely come in handy in the latter part of the season.
In the game against Mildura, United was rarely challenged, and got out to a nine-point lead at quarter time.
United build on this as the game progressed, adding 25, 31 and 31 points across the next three quarters.
Making the trip to Mildura would have no doubt been great for team bonding, and returning back home with the four points wrapped up would have carried notions of ‘mission accomplished’.
Billy Hughes led the scoring for Gippsland, netting 28, including five three-pointers.
Hughes also had a hand in 11 three-pointers, to go with seven free throws.
All players on the team sheet saw good minutes, with every substitute given at least 12 minutes court time.
American import Brandon Armstrong again racked up solid numbers, with 25 points, six rebounds and five assists.
GIPPSLAND United women had the bye.
The women will play Corio Bay at home this Saturday from 6pm at the Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium.
The match looms as an important one in the contest of Gippsland’s season, as Corio Bay is one rung behind them on the ladder, and like Gippsland, is fighting to keep their finals hopes alive.
Something of a local derby will follow the women, with the men to play Pakenham from 8pm.
