T-Birds hand Warriors first defeat in CBL grand final

Unexpected tactics and missed shots cost the Warragul Warriors in the CBL grand final on Saturday night.
The Traralgon T-Birds started strongly in front of their vocal home crowd and the Warriors were unable to overcome the deficit, handed their first loss of the season 90-67.
The Warriors came into the game full of confidence against their T-Birds rivals after winning two meetings this season, 87-74 and 92-88.
However, having scouted the Warriors' semi-final contest, the T-Birds surprised by delivering a full-court press from the outset. This tactic hadn't previously been seen this season.
"We weren't expecting that," said player Mike Santo. "By the time we got into the pace of the game, we were already 20 points down."
Warriors trailed 27-10 at quarter time but steadied into the contest with a 18-23 second quarter before winning the third 24-16.
However, the T-Birds kept the ball out of the experienced hands of Jarryd Moss, Ambu Uliando and Santo as shots failed to fall in a 15-24 final quarter.
"We had our chances. But credit to them, they took us out of what we wanted to do."
Graeme Radford top scored with 17 ahead of Moss with 14. Whilst for the T-Birds, Ben Barlow scored 26 with Christian D'Angelo and Frazar Brouns scoring 21.
Despite first-year coach Cory Smith having a COVID scare during the week and unable to take training, he was able to attend Saturday night.
"He (Cory) did a fantastic job with the team…a lot of new ideas."
"Our preparation was good, everything was good. They came out with a plan, they executed it. There's no double chances."
Playing at Traralgon's home court despite finishing the season on top was a tough ask for the younger members of the Warriors squad who perhaps weren't ready for the vocal home crowd.
Whilst Santo indicated Saturday night was his final CBL game after some 26 years, the Warriors will no doubt regroup and use Saturday's result to fuel next year's campaign.
"We're pretty young. We've had our share of success. We'll be just fine."