To the hoop: Kane McNamara makes a lay-up for Craigieburn. Picture: Michael Copp
CRAIGIEBURN has one foot in the Big V men's division 2 grand final after a seven-point win in game one of its semi-final series against Melton at the weekend.
The Eagles won 68-61 at Melton Indoor Recreation Centre to lead 1-0 in the best of three series which will continue at Craigieburn this weekend.
Both teams were below 40 per cent shooting from the field but the Eagles did have a slight edge outside the three-point line as the Thoroughbreds went 0-14 on the night from long range.
Click on the image below for our gallery of the big game.
Rob Toller-Bond stood tall to claim 11 rebounds to go with a match-high 16 points for the Eagles while Eric Miraflores (12) and Paul Sianidis (12) were also in double-figure points.
Craigieburn hosts game two on Saturday night at Craigieburn Leisure Centre while game three, if required, will be played at the same venue on Sunday.
Craigieburn's women are through to a preliminary final after a 13-point win against Mildura on Saturday night.
A blazing first half from the field put Craigieburn in the ascendancy, shooting 8-19 in the first quarter and 9-18 in the second.
Tenille Cann starred with 27 points and 13 boards while Giulia Dinunzio scored 18 points and Kellie Bailey 14.
The Lady Eagles will play Whittlesea this Saturday.
For venue and tip-off time, see bigv.com.au