A game-high 36 points by Travis McIlroy helped beat the Auckland Rebels 95-77 and earn the Northland Suns their first playoffs berth in the Intercity Basketball League.
McIlroy, who trialled for ANBL team the Townsville Crocs midweek, said he is beginning to feel the fire in his belly again afterthe Northland side outclassed the talented Auckland side.
"It's our first ever winning record for the club. The win took us to four wins and three losses - three of them on the trot - and I really feel that on our day we can beat anyone," he said.
The performance shows how far the side has progressed in the competition. Last year they won one game - this year they may finish at least third in the regular season.
They were in double figures before the Rebels knew what had hit them and raced out to an early lead, which they held on to for the entire game. McIlroy scored 14 points in less than a minute before coach Stanko Susjnar went to the bench midway through the quarter.
The Rebels clawed their way back into the game with some excellent outside shooting from one of the country's best, Dylan Tait, but the visitors led 50-45 at the break.
One of the Suns' NBL stars, BJ Anthony, hit his straps in the third quarter and finished with 23 points.
McIlroy said if they were confirmed in third place they could face the Rebels again in their first playoff match this weekend.
"They're a well-coached and well-drilled side, but we'll definitely know what to do if we play them again - we'll have to shut down their outside shooters better," he said.
For McIlroy, the Suns' success this season has awoken in him the desire to once again play at the top level. "While the Crocs might not be the right direction for me, it's made me realise that I'd like to push for higher honours and a black shirt again and I'm talking to a few NBL clubs at the moment with the support of the Suns' management," he said.
McIlroy has been one of the driving forces behind setting up the Suns and he said his desire to have top-level basketball based in Northland won't diminish if he plays for another region.
