The Go Media Jets have produced arguably the upset of the season with a 95-94 win in overtime against the Wheeler Motor Rams.
Heroic performances from Jets duo of Daishon Knight (36 points) and Kuran Iverson (29 points and 19 rebounds) have helped end their eight game losing streak.
After leading by two at halftime, the Jets struggled after the break, scoring only nine points to trail by eight at three quarter time.
But the home side rallied to outscore the Jets 27-19, and overtime was forced courtesy of a three from Knight. The extra period would be a seesaw battle between the two, and it looked like the Rams may scrape away with then win when Tony Tolovae had a chance to make it a two point game from the line.
But Tolovae would only convert on one, setting up a thrilling finale which ended with a two from Iverson to seal the Jets second win of the season.
It was a loss that the Rams could ill afford with the race for a final four spot heating up. What a difference a week makes as the Rams thrashed the Jets by 30 the week prior.
Point guard, Xavier Thames, had a battle with Knight scoring 31 points, Winston Shepard III had 20 points and Tolovae added 14 for the Rams who remain in fourth, but are now 7-5.They will need to regroup quickly as they will face the Cigna Saints in Wellington this coming Tuesday. At this point a win is a must to keep the fifth placed Hawks (6-6) at bay.
Saturday, June 30
At Ballroom Arena, Palmerston North
Go Media Jets 95 (Daishon Knight 36, Kuran Iverson 29, Brandon Lucas 15)
The Wheeler Motor Canterbury Rams 94 (Xavier Thames 31, Winston Shepard III 20, Tony Tolovae 14) OT
Live Stats
Photo: www.photosport.nz
