The match got off to a frenetic start with both teams looking to get an early edge, but it was Whittlesea which dominated the first quarter as the Gators struggled to convert numerous chances to get points on the board.

The Gators continued to miss shots in the second quarter but managed to move within three points of the opposition at the start of the third - the quarter in which they began to run out of legs. Three of their key players were fouled out in the fourth term, enabling Whittlesea to cruise to a nine-point win.

The Gators managed to convert only 15 of their 62 shots in the match, which was of great concern to coach Sharon Grieve.

She said she was "very disappointed" with her side's performance.

"We normally have four players getting double figures so I think we will have to do lots of shooting practice during the week," Grieve said.

"They [Whittlesea] got in front at the start of the game and it stayed that way until the end because Stacey Barr, Louise Johnston and Sarah Liebelt went off in the fourth quarter.

"I don't like to blame the umpires, but 68 fouls were called in the game, which is high for women's basketball."

Despite the loss, Grieve was pleased with the performance of Emma Coyne, who stepped up when the key players left the court.

"The intensity she showed was fantastic and she really helped us in the full court stuff. She was the only one worth mentioning," Grieve said.

Next up, the Gators face traditional rivals Werribee in what is expected to be a grudge match.

Grieve recognises how important the match is to her players and the club.

"The girls are already very anxious to play and they will come out and work hard to beat our rivals. We have more experience than them; hopefully that will help us win."