MILDURA has been a house of pain for every visiting team this season and Saturday was no exception as the Heat won the Big V division 3 premiership at Melton's expense.

The Thoroughbreds challenged for a half but were left behind thereafter, losing 104-77 to go down 2-0 in the grand final series without the need for a third and deciding game.

Melton came out hot with 27 first-quarter points to lead by four at quarter-time, forcing turnovers, out-rebounding the Heat and shooting at 55per cent from the field.

But shooting accuracy deserted the Thoroughbreds in the second term as they hit just five of 20 attempts from the field and scored 17 points as Mildura put up 26 to lead 49-44 at the long break.

With star American import Kevin Smith again on his way to topping 40 points, Mildura pulled away after half-time, winning 26-17 in the third quarter and 29-16 in the last.

Smith finished with 41 points for the match, 17 rebounds and six assists in a performance that typified his dominance of the division 3 season. Melton's Peter Leppik ended the match as the Thoroughbreds' top scorer with 19 points and 13 rebounds, while Martin Pietrykowski and Matt Deppeler scored 16.

Shooting accuracy was telling, with Mildura 50per cent or better in all four quarters, while Melton was lower than 30per cent from quarter-time onwards.