SENIOR MEN THROUGH TO GRAND FINAL SERIES
Image from Scott Gick Photography
After being down 0-1 against Hawthorn, the Senior Men won both game 2 and 3 at Hawthorn’s home court to progress through to the Grand Final!
GAME 2:
Hume City – 108
Hawthorn – 104
Jake Martin – 25 points
Jamal Shabazz – 25 points
A big crowd turned out for this one at Boroondara Sports Complex, with a loss for the Broncos would have ended their 2019 season.
The first quarter was a tight tussle as both teams traded basket-for-basket.
Over the second and third quarters, the Broncos continued to work hard and lead by as many as 16 points in the third quarter before the Magic made a comeback to peg the margin to 8 points at the final break.
slowly but surely Hawthorn came back, and lead by 6 points with 90 seconds to go; the Broncos season looking done and dusted.
Enter Shayan Mahboobi, who in those last 90 seconds, had an offensive rebound, 2 points, a steal and an assist to lead the charge, along with crucial shots made from “Triple J” (J.Coleman, J.Martin and J.Shabazz) to take the game into overtime.
The Broncos had an early lead in OT, leading by 4 points, but Hawthorn again got in front by 1 point again with 90 seconds to go before the Broncos made a final push, with again Shayan Mahboobi and Jamal Shabazz hitting clutch shots and free throws to take the series to a Game 3.
GAME 3:
Hume City – 118
Hawthorn – 93
Jordan Coleman – 27 points
Jamal Shabazz – 23 points
Taking the momentum from Game 2, the Broncos looked strong and energetic with a nice 8 point lead at the end of the first quarter. They dominated the second quarter as well, keeping Hawthorn to only 15 points, as we had a 19 point lead at the main break. The Magic gained back a little momentum, as they scored 4 points in quick succession to end the half.
Hawthorn again looked to gain momentum, and slowly seemed to chip away at the margin but only got it down to 13 points before the likes of Jordan Coleman and Jamal Shabazz swung the momentum back the Broncos way.
The Broncos had a 22 point lead at the end of the third, and put the result beyond doubt with a 33 point lead towards the end of the fourth quarter. Everyone on the Bronco list got on court to end Game 3, and a great series win from the Broncos.
Thank you to all the Broncos supporters who came to Hawthorn to witness Game 2 and Game 3 (and over to Werribee for the Womens match – in which unfortunately they lost). We believe that the crowd for Game 3 was 50-50 between Broncos and Magic supports, a fantastic turnout for an away game.
Also thank you to Scott Gick Photography for catching some of those memorable moments of Game 2 & Games 3, and throughout the whole season.
Now, the Broncos come up against the McKinnon Cougars. It will be a great battle, with again a best-of-three series. Game 1 will be at home whilst Game 2 (and Game 3 if required) will be played at McKinnon.
Let’s rally behind the Men this next fortnight to take the CHAMPIONSHIP!!
