UPDATE: The Whittlesea Pacers’ playoff hopes hang by a thread after a devastating 110-86 loss to the Coburg Giants in the Big V men’s division 1 finals on Saturday night. With their title aspirations on the line, the Pacers are now set to face the Warrandyte Venom in a knockout semi-final this Saturday, July 15, 2023.
The game kicked off with a competitive spirit, as the scores were tied at the end of the first quarter. However, the Giants surged ahead, leading by nine points at halftime and extending their advantage to 17 by the end of the third quarter. Pacers coach Des Radoslovic emphasized the need for his team to regroup and respond effectively to this setback.
“It’s never great to have a loss, but we’ve earned the double chance and move to next week,” Radoslovic stated. The Pacers missed their key player, Raheem Anthony, due to a back injury, which proved costly against a formidable Coburg side. Radoslovic acknowledged that the Pacers generated good scoring opportunities but struggled with their shooting.
Despite the defeat, the Pacers showed determination, with players Angus Fischer, Oscar Percy, and Pat Green each contributing 18 points. Radoslovic noted, “We started well and stayed focused on the game plan for most of the game,” but highlighted that the Giants’ shooting efficiency was a crucial factor in the outcome.
Looking ahead, the Pacers will face the Warrandyte Venom, who recently defeated Western Port in an elimination final with a score of 112-96. Radoslovic expressed confidence in his team’s ability to compete against either opponent, stating, “We’ve had some success against both sides.”
The status of Raheem Anthony remains uncertain, with Radoslovic indicating that his participation will be a game-time decision.
As the Pacers prepare for this critical match, the pressure is on to keep their championship dreams alive. Fans will be watching closely as they return to the court for what could be a season-defining game. The atmosphere is expected to be electric in Whittlesea, with the community rallying behind their team in this do-or-die situation.
Stay tuned for updates as the Pacers fight to remain in contention for the title.
