ROUND 16 of the Big V Men’s competition for 2022 will see McKinnon and the Hume Broncos lock horns in a bid to claim third position in the standings when the two sides compete at Broadmeadows Basketball Stadium on Saturday night.

The two teams currently occupy the final two spots inside the top-four, with McKinnon leading based on percentage alone. Saturday’s game will play a big role in how the ladder will look come season’s end, especially given it is the third-last week for the home and away fixture.

Both teams have shown the ability to post big scores, and that has been on display in the last few weeks. However, some strong work on the defensive end will be required to slow down the sizzling offence of the two sides, and whoever can clamp up the tightest will likely claim the chocolates.

Hume Broncos vs. McKinnon
Saturday, July 16 @ 7:30pm
Broadmeadows Basketball Stadium

The Broncos have been fading in form over the last couple of weeks, with a bit of improvement needed if they are to close out the season in a strong manner. They found themselves on the end of a shock loss to the Western Port Steelers to the tune of 12 points last weekend, and will be looking to amend this result against a tougher opponent. In that contest, their defensive work took a big hit as they allowed 90 points to a Steelers side that does not usually post scores of that calibre.

McKinnon typically hits around that mark on a weekly basis, so Hume has its work cut out. However, there would be no better way to bounce back than to knock off one of their biggest competitors and move up to third spot in the standings. If they are to get to a winning total, Chris Elder will need to be at the forefront of the team’s offence. He has the ability to surpass the 20-point mark on any given week, and will likely need to if the Broncos are to emerge winners here.

McKinnon might be coming into the game fresh off a loss, but it is no reason to make any claims the side is out of form. Against a talented Wyndham side, the visitors pushed their opponents to the limit, and only ended up falling by five points in what proved to be an enthralling contest. They should come into this game as the favourites, given the fact that they still registered 85 points in a loss. If they can produce a similar offensive output, it may be too much for the Hume defence. However, they must be just as stingy down the other end, given the fact that conceding 90 points was the reason they ended up falling to Wyndham in Round 15. In that game, Sharif Black led the way with 26 points, and should feature heavily again on Saturday night.