After dropping their North-East division opener to Seymour in round one, the Gators strung together four wins on the spin on the back of a month-long purple patch from coach Sam Beks, Josh Kooiman, Aiden Whitelaw, and Spencer Wright.
However, that illustrious run came to a halt at the weekend at the hands of Albury at the Lauren Jackson Sports Centre.
Shepparton defeated the Cougars by 13 points at the Swamp in round three, but Albury turned the tables two games later, dominating the second half to secure a convincing 100-77 victory.
Kooiman contributed 16 points while Whitelaw (14 points) and emerging talent Wright (12) helped the Gators stay within seven points at half-time, but a dominant 28-18 third quarter by the Cougars saw Shepparton fall behind.
Despite this setback, the Gators remain well-positioned in the CBL title race, sitting second with a 4-2 record behind the undefeated Wallan with four games remaining in the regular season.
Shepparton will have its second bye in three rounds before hosting the Echuca Pirates in round seven.
Meanwhile, the women’s double-header weekend saw the Gators forfeit both round five clashes scheduled to take place against Albury and Myrtleford.
Shepparton remain in the hunt for its first win, their most recent clash a 39-91 loss to Albury.
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