Keilor Thunder came away with a backs to the wall win against Diamond Valley Eagles in the National Basketball League 1 south women’s competition.
The first match of a six game period without coach Kristi Harrower, Issie Bourne and Maddy Rocci, the Thunder were defensively strong against the Eagles.
The Thunder led by three points at quarter time and kept that margin heading into the main break.
A 21-8 third quarter broke the game open in the favour of the Thunder, which were strong enough to finish off with a 76-63 win.
Bernie Harrower, who has stepped up into the head coaching role with his daughter away, said it was a really good win.
“They were missing a couple away with the Opals as well,” he said. “It was a level playing field as far as I was concerned.
“Injuries have become a huge problem for us. Kasey Burton hurt her calf last night [Saturday] and we’re waiting for scans.
“We have two others on the crutches with season ending injuries. Maddy is out with her injury as well.
“It’s been a nightmare for us.”
Rocci hurt her knee in the final game before she was meant to head away with the Opals. Harrower said she was doing all her rehab and would hopefully be back for finals.
Saturday night’s game was a tough one according to Harrower.
“Both teams went at it defensively,” he said. “It was a bit of a war of attrition.
“We had some runs and it got us ahead at different times. We had good defensive connections.
“We spoke about it after the game, we never let them get on a big scoring runs and it was the difference.”
Jasmine Dickey led the way for the Thunder with 31 points, eight assists and four steals.
Harrower said that was what they were hoping for from their newest player.
“We gave her the green light to take the game on,” he said. “She did that and had an exceptional game.”
Harrower said they were taking it one game at a time the next period while they were missing their Opals stars.
He said they knew this six game stretch without Maddy and Issie was going to be tough.
“It was great to get the win and if we can get a few more wins in this six game stretch, it will set us up for a good spot coming into finals.”
Harrower, who has stepped in as an assistant coach the past 12 months, said he would be happy to hand the reins back to Kristi when she returned.
Harrower was the Bendigo Spirit’s inaugural coach and coached them to two WNBL titles.
“I’ve been back for 12 months after quite a while out,” he said. “Kristi is a good coach in her own right.
“I’m happy to offer advice here and there.”
The Thunder’s men’s side also got the win on Saturday night.
With coach Ash Arnott overseas on Australian coaching duties, the Thunder won 108-99.
Dante Thompson top scored with 23 points.
