After early rounds typified by blow-outs, the last fortnight has hinted at a growing degree of parity in the men's senior competition.
Otago Boys' High School lived by the three down the stretch to squeak past the Andy Bay Falcons 84-81. Luke Aston hit five three-pointers on his way to 32 points for OBHS.
He combined with centre Murray Clarke to score 34 of his team's last 38 points to hold off a strengthened Falcons unit.
Clarke took time out from his triple-double bid (points, rebounds and opposition players thrown to the ground) to pop out to a favoured spot to nail two huge straight-ahead threes for the game's final points.
He hit four three-pointers in all on the way to 26 crucial points.
Rick Barnsley led the way for the Falcons, scoring 23 points.
The University Comets' one-game winning streak was snapped by the Bombers 67-55, but the scoreline flattered the Bombers, who took a long time to find their rhythm to trail 35-33 at halftime.
The Bombers picked up their defence to limit the Comets to just 20 second-half points.
Bombers captain Steve Robinson finished with 23 points. Slick guard Emison Watson top-scored for the Comets with 14 points.
The Saints looked bothered by the Magic's imposing front-line early, before shooting the lights out in the second-half to pull away to win 75-66.
Saints guard Cain Falconer, who found the range on his jumper while shooting during every break in play during the preceding game, stroked six threes on his way to 24 points.
His barrage included an off-balance leaning three as the first half finished, which closed the gap to 39-37.
His backcourt partner, James Ross, finished the game with 17 points and again found himself at the free-throw line in the game's final moments.
Earlier, the Magic frontline threatened to overwhelm the Saints with their physicality inside.
Tom Allen had 11 of his 20 points in the first quarter along with numerous offensive rebounds.
