WARRNAMBOOL Seahawks coach Tim Gainey is urging his players to be calm and composed after poor shooting cost them in their one-point season-opening loss.
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The Seahawks drained just three of 27 three-point attempts in their 67-66 road defeat to Big V title contender Keysborough Cougars on Saturday night.
Warrnambool rallied following an underwhelming first half to hit the front deep in the fourth quarter but a Keysborough buzzer-beater proved the difference.
"Our defence was really good and I wouldn't count on some of our guys shooting like that again," Gainey said.
"I don't think we're going to shoot that badly again. We knock stuff down at training all the time but games amplify things more.
"Guys have to be steady and knock shots down."
Warrnambool found itself 17 points down at half-time but found its rhythm after the main break.
They led with four seconds to play.
"Their import rebounded and threw up a tip-in," Gainey said.
"We probably shouldn't have been in that spot anyway. We played poorly early on and foul trouble put a dampener on things as well."
Import Aaron Harrison was fouled out in his first game for the club and Simon O'Keefe was also sent to the pine.
Gainey said the referees laid down the law.
"The umpires controlled the game, both sides. It wasn't a one-sided affair," he said.
"It was the first game and they were trying to have an emphasis on what they're trying to do but I wish they let a bit more go for both sides, to make it a bit more fluid."
Harrison scored 11 points on three of 13 shooting.
Gainey said the American shooting guard would take time to adjust to his new surroundings.
"Typical import, he's got to get used to the umpires," he said.
"It was a little bit of an eye-opener for him. He'll settle in and get the pace of things.
"He fits this year's group of players because we are all similar talents. We'll never know who will be our main scorer or contributor.
"He'll help us in a lot of different areas."
Gainey and guard Liam Osborne suited up but didn't play.
Point guard Josh Dean made a strong start in his return to basketball, making it hard for Gainey to rotate Osborne.
"It was unfortuntate for Liam not to hit the court but there's a pecking order," he said.
"He's only 18 or 19 so he'll get an opportunity."
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