ALTONA Lady Gators wore the underdogs tag heading into the Victorian Basketball League BigV women's division 1 grand final series.

They ran a clear second during the regular season as their 'big dance' opponents Warrnambool Mermaids went through 20 games without a blemish.

Have the tables turned since the start of the playoffs?

The Gators built up a head of steam by breezing through their semi-final series in straight sets over Mildura.

The Mermaids were forced into a game-three situation before overcoming Warrandyte and seem stuck in a rut.

True to form, the much-anticipated game one of a best-of-three grand final series was won 70-62 by the Gators on Sunday at the Altona Sports Centre.

The local hope is one win away from glory.

"The girls are pumped," player-coach Sharon Grieve said.

"Game one is always a crucial game.

"Going up there on their home court and having the advantage in game two is critical."

The Gators sent a message to their more-fancied opponents with an impressive 20-13 opening term. The direction of point guard Sarah Liebelt and the breathtaking skill of shooter Stacey Barr clicked into action from the opening buzzer.

The Mermaids would not go down without a fight.

They spent the next two-and-a-half quarters inching their way back into the game before levelling the scores with four minutes to go.

A hush came over the nervous home fans. Grieve was forced into using some of her time-outs to halt the visitors' momentum.

The hard work the Mermaids put into their comeback sapped their energy in the dying minutes.

They were powerless to stop Barr from taking over and leaving her fingerprints on a big win.

The teenage star underlined why she is a reigning grand final MVP with the Werribee She Devils.

She posted 35 points in a breathtaking display.

The series swings to the Warrnambool Basketball Stadium on Saturday at 7pm. Game three, if required, will be on Sunday at 2pm.