The Michael Payne-coached roster improved its Country Basketball League win-loss record to 3-4 after accounting for Portland Coasters 69-62 on Sunday.

“We were up by 18 at half-time and I think the heat might have affected everyone and both teams were flat after the break,” Payne said.

“But Portland had nothing to lose so they had a red-hot crack in the second half to get them back into it a little bit.”

Payne was rapt with the Tornadoes’ fast start.

“I’d say we got up and down the court nice and quick,” he said.

“We had 12 players and they had nine so we were always going to have fresh legs,” he said.

“We made the most of our opportunities in the first half.”

Emerging teenager Toby Mahony top-scored for Terang with 17 points.

Experienced duo Scott Judd and Dean Brebner had 13 each and Jake O’Flynn chimed in with 11.

“Toby is doing good work off the bench and finding his own shots as well as feeding off to others as well which is good to see,” Payne said.

Terang split its women’s double-header, falling to Geelong Supercats 66-48 on Saturday night before responding with an 80-72 victory against Portland Coasters on Sunday.

Libby Moloney (21 points), Caroline Costelloe (17) and Jaymie Finch (16) were the main playmakers against the Coasters.

The Tornadoes have a 3-5 win-loss record.