Warrnambool Mermaids coach Katie O'Keefe said her side's Country Basketball League grand final defeat was an unfortunate end to what was "at the end of the day a brilliant season and a lot of fun".
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The Mermaids went down 78-62 to Millicent Magic at The Lighthouse in Portland on Saturday night.
O'Keefe heaped praise on all the supporters who travelled from Warrnambool to watch the game.
"On behalf of the Mermaids, I'd like to thank all the supporters who came across," she said.
The Mermaids led at half-time (33-25) and at the final break (50-45) before the Magic stormed home.
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O'Keefe, 13 points, top-scored for the Mermaids with Nicole Gynes contributing 12 points.
It was a tough end to the season for the Mermaids which won 10 of 12 regular fixture games.
The Magic finished second on the table after the regular season.
O'Keefe described it as a physically tough encounter with the tall and athletic Magic.
"They came at us for four quarters," she said.
The playing coach praised the bravery of Louise Brown who sustained an ankle injury in the second quarter and returned to the court.
O'Keefe said she was proud of her whole squad for the season it played.
The Mermaids mentor said the majority of her squad was training with Lee Primmer ahead of the Big V season.
She said the Big V side was well set to have a good mix of youth and experience.
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