WARRNAMBOOL Seahawks’ journey from Big V cellar dweller to finals aspirant made another advance on Saturday night.
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An inspired Tim Gainey performance helped the Seahawks to an 89-69 win against Craigieburn Eagles in front of a healthy crowd at the Arc.
It was the Bobby Cunningham-coached side’s sixth win from eight games — already surpassing its 5-17 record of 2013.
Warrnambool dominated the second and third terms after a sluggish start.
The Seahawks had a six-point lead at quarter-time and extended it to 12 at the main break.
A 26-16 third term gave them an unassailable 22-point buffer at the final change.
Teenage forward Liam Killey complemented Gainey, with both recording a double-double. Gainey top scored with 25 points and collected 16 boards, while Killey made his impact in the paint, dropping 18 points and grabbing 10 rebounds.
The Seahawks benefited from guard Sai’Quon Stone’s work. Stone finished seven points and nine assists and played an important role setting up his Seahawk teammates in shooting positions.
Cunningham said the trio were important in the win and labelled Gainey’s efforts “huge”.
“I think Sai’Quon is a point guard at heart but he knows there are times this year where he’ll have to set himself to fire on the scoreboard,” he said.
“He is making plays.
“Liam fought hard against a seven-foot-five guy so it was good.
“Liam played with purpose last night. He kept himself out of foul trouble and moved his feet well. I was really happy with him.”
Cunningham said the Seahawks’ scoring potency came from their dedicated defence.
“We applied some ball pressure and tried to get in their passing lane and mix it up with our defence and it seemed to be working,” he said.
The Seahawks will take the ominous form into their home game against La Trobe on Saturday night.
Cunningham said Warrnambool would harness its confidence and was wary of looking too far ahead.