MOUNT Gambier Lakers continued their undefeated run in the Country Basketball League South West conference, after a solid 42-point victory over Bellarine Storm on Saturday night.
The Round 5 result was highlighted by a 33-point game from big man Lachie Hunter, who narrowly topped the scoresheets, four points clear of Bellarine’s Josiah King.
Another four Lakers reached double figures as the side pushed its ascendancy.
The Lakers hosted the Storm at the Icehouse, with both sides yet to drop a match heading into the match.
The home side took the advantage early, after scores were tied at two-all after a minute of play.
From there the Lakers added nine straight points, with twos from Kane de Wit and Sam Stafford, plus a three from Matt Berkefeld.
The Storm responded with a three-point play, but again the Lakers applied scoreboard pressure, with a further eight points to hold a 14-point lead with four minutes to play in the term.
Whatever the visitors tried, the home side had an answer for and at the first break the margin had crept out to 17 points.
However, Bellarine chipped away at the lead in the second quarter, closing it down to just four points after five minutes had elapsed.
The game then went basket for basket, but with three minutes remaining the Lakers again broke away.
By the long break the lead had stretched out to 17 points and the Lakers looked solid.
Mid-way through the third term that margin was 20 points, with Hunter using his height to advantage under the hoop.
His inside game was paying dividends as he finished off the good work of his team mates.
The lead was 22 points at the final break, with the Lakers in the box seat to claim the win, barring some unforeseen development.
Unfortunately for the Storm that did not eventuate, as the Lakers simply pushed hard down the stretch.
With three minutes gone in the term a Berkefeld three saw the lead out to 30 points and just two minutes later another stretched it to 33.
Hunter added to his night with three two-point baskets on the trot, before finishing the game with another of the same for a 116-74 point win.
Hunter was joined in double figures by Berkefeld (22), de Wit (22), Braiden Ousey (19) and Stafford (13).
The Lakers now have a bye before two home games the following weekend.
