The Gators gate-crashed the Arc in Warrnambool on a mission to spoil the Saturday night party.

The grandstands were packed for the home side's 21st anniversary celebrations.

It was the small travelling cast of Gators who were releasing the party poppers come the final buzzer.

The Gators won 69-66 in a Victorian Basketball League Big V men's division 1 thriller.

"It was phenomenal, absolutely phenomenal," Gators coach Darren Davey said of his team's performance.

"The grandstand was jam-packed, the bar was full, a school choir came out to sing the national anthem.

"It was an absolutely huge win for us."

The Gators refused to be intimidated by the pro-Seahawks crowd and built a solid foundation to lead by nine at quarter-time.

Gators centre James Guljas (23 points, eight rebounds) was the key for the Gators, finishing with 23 points and eight rebounds in a stellar performance.

"It was a big game from Jimmy," Davey said. "His grandmother passed away during the week so he's been under a bit of family stress. There was a bit of doubt that he would make the game."

The Seahawks gave their fans plenty to cheer about in the second quarter.

The Gators found US-bound Nathan Sobey hard to contain en route to 22 points and 12 rebounds with his second period his most influential, The home side led by five at half-time.

"We came out fairly hard in the first quarter and they came back in the second," Davey said. "It was a phenomenal game to coach, play and watch."

The second half lived up to the hype of a blockbuster.

The scoreline fluctuated like the worm on a political debate. One constant for the Gators was the defensive pressure of point guard Luke Jarosz. "He produced an unbelievable defensive game," Davey said. "He also ran the point and his effort the entire game was unbelievable."

It was a significant victory for the Gators as it means their future is in their own hands. They're third on the ladder and have only to live up to their end of the bargain in an 18th round double header to feature in this year's playoffs.

"Our destiny is in our hands," Davey said. "If we keep winning, we play finals."

The Gators visit Whittlesea on Saturday night before returning home on Sunday for a must-win game with Southern Peninsula at the Altona Sports Centre.

Meanwhile, the Altona Lady Gators came close to toppling undefeated Warrnambool Mermaids on the road. The Ladies got their nose in front during an action-packed third period but couldn't maintain the rage and lost by seven.