James Magrath finds his way past Western Port’s Chris Samways. 82977 Pictures: JARROD POTTER
By JARROD POTTER
WARRIORS by name and warriors by nature was the prevailing ethos at Cardinia LiFE as Pakenham seize a 71-68 victory over Western Port in their over-time lengthened clash.
Pakenham stood-up without coach Leon Stapley, away on work commitments, and guard Tyson Harding, and fought strongly to grind out a victory in over-time.
Lethal from outside the line on Saturday night, three-pointers from Bill Winder and Daniel Stow helped take Pakenham to a 20-16 lead at the first break.
The second quarter belonged to Winder, who shot 10 points for the term – leading off in the first minute with a three-pointer, and then hitting 5/6 from the free throw line and a field goal to cap off a devastating spell for Western Port.
Not to get outdone from outside the line, Stow sold a massive pump-fake with seconds remaining in the first half and let fly with another three-point monster to give Pakenham a 10-point lead at half time.
Their 38-28 lead came into jeopardy through the third quarter as Western Port fought back to pull the score back to 48-46 at the final change.
Western Port charged through the first five minutes of the last quarter, levelling the score at 50-50 and from there, the sides traded baskets before Pakenham found themselves 60-63 down with 34 seconds left in regulation.
Armstrong weaved his way through the Steelers’ defence and passed out to Winder, who hit the equaliser with 4.3 seconds remaining and when Western Port couldn’t convert on their final drive, the match went to over-time.
Winder stood up yet again to help clinch the match – with two clutch field goals taking Pakenham from two down to one ahead with a minute left in the five minute additional period.
Pakenham took the ball, fumbled a couple of shots, before regaining the ball with a fresh shot clock.
The Warriors set up, got the ball to Armstrong who hit the match winner.
Winder, 22 points and eight rebounds, was best on court, hitting 3/4 from three-point territory and 5/8 from the free throw line. Armstrong continued his stellar season with 13 points and 12 rebounds and Stow rounded out the best with 12 points.
Pakenham takes their second win of the season, and strangely enough, their second win with a fill-in coach at the helm as Damien Kent coached the side to the upset victory.
The Warriors are at home on Sunday against Keilor Thunder at 2pm.
