AN undermanned Horsham Hornets secured a top-two spot and a home semi-final after a gutsy 74-64 away win over Colac Kookas in Country Basketball League action yesterday.
Despite missing four of its starting five players, the Hornets produced a stellar second-half comeback to get over the line against a gallant Kookas side.
Coach Damien Kilpatrick said aside from a lacklustre second quarter, it was a good performance from his side.
"The second quarter was probably one of the worst quarters of basketball I've seen," he said.
"There were a few choice words said in the changerooms at half-time. We changed things up in the second-half and turned a three-point deficit into a six-point lead at the final change."
Teenager Darcy Tucker was outstanding, top-scoring with 28 points to carry on his form from Saturday night, where he scored 21 points against Corio Bay.
Kilpatrick was also a solid contributor with 17 points, while former Hornet Danny Kennedy performed well in his cameo appearance, scoring 16 points.
Horsham nearly pulled off an upset on Saturday night against Corio Bay, thanks to an all-round team effort.
"For the first time I've ever seen, every single player was on the scoresheet," Kilpatrick said.
"It was an incredible four-quarter effort. Everyone did their job and had a red-hot go." The Stringrays won the match 81-72.
Aside from Tucker's performance, Tim Friend scored 19 points, while Kilpatrick and Dylan Taylor both chimed in with eight.
The Hornets will play a home semi-final at Horsham Amateur Basketball Stadium on February 2, with the opponent yet to be decided.
Kilpatrick is confident of getting a full-strength side on the court, with Stuart Robinson, Tim Pickert, Tim Wade and Mark Dorward all set to return. The grand final will be played in Hamilton on February 9.
STAWELL Wildcats finished its 2012-13 CBL season without a win, falling 60 points short against Hamilton Hurricanes on Saturday night.
It has been a tough inaugural season for the Wildcats, with the consistent performance of youngster Jarred Ohayon one of few highlights.