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Game two: Shepparton Gators 88 d Sunbury Jets 87
Game three: Sunbury Jets 103 d Shepparton Gators 84
The Shepparton Gators' impressive season has come to an abrupt end, after the Sunbury Jets saluted in a winner-takes-all game three at the Shepparton Sports Stadium.
It was a bittersweet weekend for the Gators, as they exited the Big V Division One finals series, despite clinching a heart-stopping one-point win in overtime on Saturday night.
After ticking the box on Saturday night with a 88-87 win, Leigh Bathman's side was unable to replicate that performance on Sunday afternoon, going down 104-83.
"The way we played on Saturday night was fantastic," Bathman said.
"It was a great spectacle from both sides.
"I thought we dug ourselves out of a hole and did a tremendous job to win in overtime.
"Unfortunately, we couldn't back it up on Sunday."
After trailing at half-time in game two by 10 points, the Gators restricted the Jets to 37 points in the second half and overtime, while piling on 48 points.
Shepparton captain Nick Dodd showcased his nerves of steel, nailing the game-winning lay-up in overtime with five seconds remaining on the clock.
Dodd's clutch moment capped what was a captivating game of basketball, as the roof of the Shepparton Sports Stadium almost blew off from the rapturous crowd.
But only 18 hours later, the home crowd at the Swamp would be left shattered as the Jets soared above the Gators.
"Take nothing away from Sunbury, they were just too good in game three," Bathman said.
"They shot the ball exceptionally well - at 59 per cent overall from the floor.
"You won't lose too many games if you shoot around that mark.
"But we just didn't bring enough defensive intensity to the match."
Even though it was a disappointing way to exit the season, Sunday's 19-point defeat ended what was a memorable year for Shepparton.
The Gators had the best home record of any side in the competition, going through the year with one loss at the famously dubbed home stadium "The Swamp".
Bathman's side also unleashed talented guard Carlin Dupree, who combined for 67 points from the weekend's games.
The star point guard had 34 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and four steals in game two, while backing up with 33 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and four steals.
Athletic big man Atem Atem (23 points, 17 rebounds) recorded an impressive double-double in game two, while sharpshooter Javaan Mumtaz combined for 29 points from both outings.
Bathman said he spoke to the group following the season-ending loss and highlighted their stellar season.
"It's just important that they don't get too down on themselves," he said.
"It was a really positive season on and off the court.
"The support we had from our fans and sponsors was incredible.
"At the start of the year lots of people doubted us, so to win 20 games this year was a commendable achievement."
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