Chargers hang on in Big V finals

SURFCOAST Chargers have progressed to the Big V Division Two Men semi-final after a gutsy win against Collingwood All Stars.

In a see-sawing affair, the Chargers held off an almighty All Stars comeback to win 94-90.

At the end of the first quarter, a slow start saw the Chargers down by two points. However, a 30-point second quarter gave them the lead at half time.

The Chargers continued their dominance in the third quarter, scoring 28 points and restricting the All Stars to just 19, giving them a solid 13-point lead heading into the final quarter.

The All Stars fought back hard in the final quarter, cutting the lead to two points with 11 seconds remaining. But the Chargers hung on thanks to clutch free throws from captain Jason Reardon.

It was Reardon who led the way for the Chargers, scoring a triple double with 13 points, 14 rebounds and 12 assists.

Dexter Graham also contributed 17 points and five assists, whilst Nathan Gronbeck put up 15 points and five steals.

For the All Stars, captain Jason Daniels poured in 31 points, and Jalen Barkers managed 20 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists.

The Chargers have locked in in a semi-final against ladder leaders Sherbrooke, with the winner booking a spot in the Grand Final. The match will take place at Bendigo Bank Upwey & District Stadium tomorrow (Saturday, August 9) at 7pm.

Meanwhile, the All Stars take on Mildura at Collingwood College, with the winner taking on the loser of the Sherbrooke and Chargers matchup.