Varsity A's losing streak is over. The students finally had their first win of the season with a tight 77-74 win against Magic A (2-7) in men's A grade basketball on Saturday.
The win ended an agonising eight-match losing streak to open the season and condemned the Magic, last year's champion, to a fifth consecutive loss.
After five losses by five points or fewer and three losses at the buzzer, it was fitting Varsity (1-8) finally finished on the right side of a close match.
Down 56-60 with a quarter to play, Varsity upped the ante and outscored the Magic 21-14 in the final 10 minutes to break its duck. Captain Adam Dunstan top-scored for the students with 21 points and was ably supported by Rens Meerhoff (19 points) and Emerson Watson (18).
Magic's Ben Dick continued his good form with a team high 18 points. His side's last win was a 75-74 win against Varsity on May 10.
Earlier, the Bombers (9-0) needed overtime to topple Otago Boys' High School (4-3) 92-86, in an enthralling contest. Down 83-81 with 13 seconds left in the fourth quarter, the Bombers looked headed for defeat when Jason Frost missed a three-pointer.
However, Cody Gillies (18 points) snaffled the offensive board and sent the game into overtime with a clutch basket.
Otago Boys' had earlier jumped out to a 28-13 lead after the first quarter. Joe Cook-Green poured in 25 points and repeatedly torched the Bombers on the fast break.
The Bombers quickly clawed their way back into the game with the injection of centre Chris Hepburn (24 points).
He and Jack Stirling (21 points) monopolised the paint and ensured their side took a 42-41 lead at halftime. Liam Aston (23 points) and Josh Petermann (13) powered Otago Boys' back into the lead at three-quarter time, 67-64.
However, the Bombers kept it close in the fourth quarter, before pouncing in the decisive overtime period. Hepburn, who has only made a few appearances in A grade this season, was outstanding for the unbeaten Bombers.
With swingman Steve Robinson out with a broken finger, Hepburn's veteran experience was priceless for the streaking Bombers.
In the other game, the Saint Kilda Saints (6-2) stayed within reach of the Bombers at the top of the table with a hard-fought 74-69 win against Falcons A (3-5). Former Nuggets guard Matt Gillan drilled six of the Saints' 12 three-pointers.
All of his 18 points came from beyond the arc as the Saints finally got hot from deep. Captain James Ross added 23 points and helped the Saints solidify second position in the competition standings.
Despite three players scoring at least 20 points, Matt Bazsika (23), Tony Tolovae (22) and Chris Hood (20), the Falcons came up short.
By Robert van Royen.
