Albany Raiders secured a thrilling one-point victory as reigning premiers Denmark Magpies threatened to pinch a famous comeback win on Tuesday night.
The Raiders had led since the 15-minute mark of the first half and looked destined to pinch an enormous upset victory against last season’s Albany Basketball Association women’s A-grade champions.
With smart time management, the Raiders held a seven-point buffer inside the final two minutes of a hard-fought second half.
But when Magpies’ Lauren Bracewell (seven points) converted a clutch three-point play, the Raiders’ lead was cut back to four points.
Things went from bad to worse for the Raiders when forward Ava Marmion was fouled out, sending Bracewell back to the line who converted one of her two free throws.
Magpies’ Emily Gadean then hit a jumper to cut the margin to one point before Ashlee Kerr (seven points) forced another Raiders turnover and broke away for an easy lay-up to grapple the lead back the lead in the final 30 seconds.
However, the Magpies’ hopes of a comeback win were dashed when Courtney White sunk a contested lay-up in the final 15 seconds to hand her side their second win of the season.
Keely Berry top-scored in the Raiders’ 34-33 win and played a vital defensive role on star Magpie Danielle Carne who still scored a game-high 13 points.
Raiders point guard Tatum Whalley (four points) was active in their build-up plays and applied crucial defensive acts.
Barking Owls had a night out against Railways, romping to a crushing 53-point victory.
Keely Berry top-scored with 20 points while Dakota Bremner scored 19 points and Rebecca Benson added 14 in the 75-22 win.
Enya Marques led the floor on a difficult night for the Tigers with eight points.
Sonics Blue won their derby match against Sonics Grey with a 39-19 victory.
Ali Judd scored a floor-high 11 points for Blue, including two threes, and Shianne Arthur contributed a crucial 10 points for Grey.
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