MILDURA Heat have lost the opening game of their best-of-three grand final series against Hawthorn Magic in women’s Division 1 Big V basketball.

In front of a parochial crowd at the Hothouse, the Heat went down in a thriller, 89-87.

The loss means they must win their next two matches on the road to claim this year’s Big V title.

Coach James Madigan said Saturday night’s result was disappo...