WARRNAMBOOL Seahawks staved off an early Camberwell Dragons’ challenge on their way to an important away win on Saturday night.
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Tim Gainey’s 23 points were instrumental in a low-scoring contest, helping the Seahawks to a 68-57 victory.
The Seahawks, now sitting atop the Big V division one men’s Terrill conference ladder with a 9-3 record, trailed by three points at the first break.
But Warrnambool swung the momentum its way in the second term, piling on 20 points to eight in a decisive period for the visitors.
It turned a five-point half-time lead into a 12-point three-quarter-time advantage.
Warrnambool coach Bobby Cunningham said the Seahawks had to absorb Camberwell’s early charge. A Gainey three-pointer gave the Seahawks a 25-22 lead with 2.39 seconds to play before half-time.
Josh Dean added another triple soon after as they took control of the contest.
“We tried to stem the tide until they ran out of petrol,” Cunningham said of Camberwell.
“Once we hit the front we stayed in front and that was midway through the second quarter.
Cunningham said Warrnambool’s defensive capabilities were on display.
The Seahawks shot well below their season average of 85 but limited the Dragons’ opportunities.
“We kept them to under the average we give up which is 65 or 66 points a game — we kept them to 57,” he said. “We came away with a good victory and all the things fell into place — Geelong lost last night so we’re back on top of the table.”
Along with Gainey’s strong shooting performance, Simon O’Keefe had 13 rebounds and four steals.
Guard Damian Gray contributed 13 points and had five boards and American import Sai’Quon Stone complemented his 12 points with four steals.
“Those four led from the front,” Cunningham said.
justine.mc@fairfaxmedia.com.au