By Trevor Jackson
THE Mount Gambier Pioneers men played out a heart-stopping qualifying final on Saturday night against the Frankston Blues, emerging victorious after an extra time period.
The NBL1 South qualifying final saw the second and third-placed sides go head-to-head at Frankston, with the home side off to a strong start, leading at the first break by 13 points.
A late three-point bomb from Nick Marshall made the quarter-time score look better for the Pioneers, but it was clear the Blues had come to play.
In the second quarter the Pioneers began to haul in the margin, but by the long break they still trailed by six points and the Blues were about to extend the lead yet again.
The third term went to Frankston by just four points, but with a 10-point advantage at the final break, looked every bit a winner.
Of course the Pioneers were not about to let the opportunity pass by and held a two-point advantage thanks to an Austin Shelley three-pointer with just seconds on the clock in the final stanza.
However, as the clock wound down the Blues hit a two of their own to tie the game up, with Nick Marshall able to get a late shot off, which had to be reviewed by the game officials.
Unfortunately time had run out and an overtime period was required, again not without its controversy.
Dylan Marshall kicked off extra time with a triple, which was duly countered by Blues’ Lucas Barker.
The Pioneers opened a five-point lead with three minutes of play remaining, but a Lachlan Barker triple put the Blues back to within a point with just 17 seconds on the game clock.
With just five seconds on the clock Daniel Trist made one of two free throws and the Blues again trailed by one point, but what happened next had everyone on the edge of their seats.
An offensive rebound followed to Brad Newly, who missed the shot and a tip-in, then a second attempt from Trist, whose tip-in went through the hoop and it appeared the Blues had stolen the game.
However, with the game clock on zero, another review was called for, which went the Pioneers way and the celebrations ensued.
Nick Marshall beat all-comers on the night, with 34 points, while Shelley had a big game with 19 points.
Dylan Marshall also reached double figures with 11 points, but Titus Robinson lit up the arena, with 16 points and 10 rebounds in a classy double-double.
The Pioneers now have a week off to recover, before facing the winner of Knox Raiders v Eltham Wildcats in the preliminary final at Wulanda.
