The loss has Shepparton fall to a six and seven record, placing it seventh on the ladder heading into a crucial home double-header this weekend.
Coach Josh Waight said the team’s defence and shot making let it down.
“We didn’t shoot the ball the way we’d like to,” Waight said.
“Lapses on the defensive end really hurt us and if we don’t make changes it will be too late.’’
Keysborough edged ahead in the third term to take control after a competitive first half before shutting the door in the fourth and final quarter.
Bryce Brown led the way for the Gators with 23 points and eight rebounds, while Ryan Batte added 21 points, seven rebounds and three assists in an efficient performance.
Keysborough was paced by Gerrard Newby, who finished with 29 points on 13 of 17 shooting and added 11 rebounds.
Anthony Williams also made a strong impact with 25 points and six assists, helping the home side close out the match with a strong fourth quarter.
Shepparton was hit by injury troubles, with Matt Bartlett unavailable and Nick Dodd forced out early in the game.
“We know we can compete with the top sides, we just have to be consistent and we can’t make mistakes or teams will punish us,” Waight said.
The Gators will host Sunbury on Saturday, June 21, at 7pm, and Wyndham on Sunday at 3pm, at Shepparton Sports Stadium.
Waight is hoping the home crowd at the Swamp will be the energy injection the squad needs to make a late push for a finals spot.
“The next couple weekends are massive,” Waight said.
“The group loves playing in front of our home crowd, so it’s time to take care of business at home.”
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