A slow start wasn't enough to stop the Warragul Warriors women racking up a 21-point win over Maffra in the Country Basketball League on Saturday evening.
Playing in front of a strong home crowd, the Warriors found themselves in trouble at half time as they trailed by 14 points.
After rejigging and resetting at the main break, however, Warragul's top-level talent rose to the top, allowing them to put together a powerful second half performance and ultimately win 75-54.
Homegrown star Sophie Taylor was at her imposing best on the offensive end, putting up 33 points and combining nicely with recruit Kailey Neave (29 points).
Early in the game the Warriors looked unnerved by Maffra's defensive approach.
The Eagles, having not won a game this season, employed a zone defence that looked to have the Warriors rattled.
Coupled with some precision shooting - at one stage an Eagles player threw a hail mary shot over her head that went in - a major upset was brewing at half time.
Despite now having close to a full strength side, including former Southside Melbourne Flyer Taylah Giliam in her season debut, a reset was required at half time.
Warragul needed to respond, and respond they did.
With Taylor and Neave now putting the pressure on offensively, the Warriors adjusted defensively, strangling Maffra and forcing them into much more difficult shots while generating easier looks for themselves.
It led to a serious turnaround as the Eagles, who had piled on 40 points in the first half, could managed just nine in the third quarter and five in the fourth.
Warragul coach Tony Marcucci said he was proud of his side's response after half time.
"We dug deep and the girls responded really well," he said.
"Credit to Maffra, they came out strong...after half time we figured out our shots and defended really well.
"Defence won it, which normally does it."
The Warriors now gear up for a double-header against Wonthaggi and Morwell this weekend, still missing Alysha Marcucci as well as Giliam.
Both games will be at the Warragul Leisure Centre. Tip-off for the Wonthaggi game is Friday 6:30pm while for Morwell it's 5pm Saturday.