In front of a supportive home crowd, the Seahawks overcame Melbourne University 73-71 to tick off the first of three Big V men's division one semi-final play-off matches.

After being up as much as 15 points halfway through the game, a third-quarter fightback saw the Black Angels push out to a six-point lead.

The Seahawks hit back but trailed 69-71 deep into the final term.

With less than a minute remaining on the clock, Bobby Cunningham shot a big three-pointer to level the scores.

Melbourne Uni's attack failed to score and the Seahawks' desperate rebound saw Jackson Greene come up with the ball.

Greene saw a lane to the basket and ran the floor to complete a high pressure lay-up to give the Seahawks a two-point lead with 1.4 seconds left on the clock, sending the home crowd into delirium.

After the mayhem of premature celebrations on and off the court died down, both sides went to their benches as the refs reset the clock at 1.4 seconds to allow Melbourne Uni one last play.

When the Black Angels failed to score, the Seahawks' true celebrations began in earnest.

Playing coach Tim Gainey attributed the win to "team play" and "a good game plan", two things the Seahawks have looked to nail all season.

"It's our first finals in three years so the guys were all excited to get this far and now we've taken out the first match, it feels good," he said.

"Melbourne (University) took some better shots in the third and they got into transition and made some baskets, but our guys stuck with the game plan and didn't panic.

"We've got some experienced guys in the side now and that plays a big part.

"They calm the younger guys down."

Gainey said the Seahawks wanted to pay homage to their fans in what could be their last home game of the season.