THE Bulleen Boomers managed to claim a tense triumph over the Knox Raiders in the Victorian Junior Basketball League (VJBL) Under 18 Girls on Friday night, with the latter producing an impressive comeback but ultimately falling four points short of completing the mission.

The Boomers came into the game at the top of the table, and widely expected to get the win and keep their spot in first place. They had lost just two of their first five games in the VC Championship division, and unlike a number of other sides, have been able to maintain their strong form from the first half of the season. The Raiders were stalling a bit in the new season format, breaking even from their first four games with two wins and two losses, and started the game in form that reflected this.

Knox could only manage eight points in the opening 10 minutes, unable to consistently produce a bucket. Despite getting some good looks, the Raiders were not able to find the bottom of the net, while the Boomers started the contest in fine form. They took an eight-point lead into the first break and were well on track to their fourth win of the season.

Quarter number two saw the Raiders finally discover some form on the offensive end, as things began to tighten up on the scoreboard. They produced over double what they delivered on the scoreboard in the opening period, and got themselves back in the game. When half time rolled around, the margin had been whittled down to just four points, and momentum was on Knox’s side all of a sudden.

The Boomers wrestled back control of the game in the third term, but it was not as one-sided as we saw in the first. It was their best quarter from an offensive perspective, with 18 points coming from the term, and going into the last with a seven-point buffer on the scoreboard.

Knox stormed home in the final 10 minutes, firing on all cylinders with ball in hand. Despite the Boomers feeling in control at three quarter time, the Raiders looked a fair threat of stealing an unlikely victory with a barnstorming effort. However, they fell a couple of buckets short of achieving this, but it was still an admirable showing.

For the Boomers, Tabitha Betson produced yet another match-winning performance with ball in hand. Adding to an already impressive year, she poured in a game-high 21 points and nailed some crucial buckets down the stretch.

Erica Cid was one of the main catalysts for Knox’s fightback, and almost got the Raiders to one of their best wins of 2022. Her 13 points were the most of anyone on her side and she will be looking to build on this in the weeks to come.