The Gators trailed late in the contest at Warrnambool, but ended the game on a 9-1 run to come from behind and snatch a thrilling five-point victory.
Warrnambool led 80-77 with just more than four minutes to go, but Shepparton stormed home, with two clutch three-pointers from Joshua Kooiman helping the Gators to an 86-81 triumph.
Coming off the bench, Kego clocked 21 minutes in the season opening victory and was impressive on the defensive end as he recorded nine rebounds and two blocks to go with his two points.
Kego was not the only Benalla connection to take the court for the Gators, as Breakers talent Sam Beks stood up in his first game as Shepparton vice-captain by putting up a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds.
Gators coach Josh Waight was full of praise for the pair, who each played a hand in what was a gritty victory to start their campaign.
“I am really proud of the group. It is always a tough trip heading down to Warrnambool and being able to come away with the win is really exciting, it really sets our season up, especially being the first game,” Waight said.
‘’Sam Beks was excellent, he really crashed the defensive boards. He ended up with 17 points and 11 rebounds, which was fantastic.
“Lachlan Kego was big for us. He didn’t score much, but he gave us second and third opportunities throughout the game. We felt that everyone played their role and was a big part of why we won.”
Shepparton was up 54-42 at half-time and its lead grew to 17 points in the third quarter, but Warrnambool came storming back.
The margin was cut to one at the end of the third quarter, with Warrnambool’s Jamal Pollydore dropping 13 of his game-high 33 points during the term.
The Seahawks then hit the front in the fourth quarter, but they ran out of steam as the Gators took the lead again late on — this time for good — running out five-point winners.
Waight said he was pleased with the way his side responded and fought back after its big lead slipped away.
“It shows heaps of determination. They have a really good following, Warrnambool, and the crowd really lifted them and got them back in the game,” he said.
“To be able to fight out a win in that environment shows a lot about the group and shows what they can do with their backs against the wall. It is really exciting and hopefully we can use that and continue to build on it going forward.”
The Gators will take on Bulleen in round two with tip-off at 7pm on Saturday at Shepparton Sports Stadium.
