Tom Abercrombie has put the New Zealand Breakers back in the top four on the Australian NBL ladder after a clutch game-winner against the Brisbane Bullets with under a second remaining.
It was a case of déjà vu for the luckless Bullets who lost to a heartbreaking buzzer beater byBryce Cotton only two days ago against Perth. This time, they went down 85-84 after Abercrombie's three pointer.
The final game of the round had everything a game could offer, with the Bullets overcoming a 23-point deficit to snatch the lead during the last few seconds of the match.
The Breakers were in control early and looked dangerous at both ends of the floor, showcasing exciting ball movement, and they were white hot with 11 three pointers in the first half.
A 13-0 run to start the second quarter pushed the lead out to a dominant 23-point margin as the Breakers scored effortlessly.
Patrick Richard was again explosive off the bench providing instant offence and scoring a game-high 21 points. The Breakers held a convincing 54-39 lead at the main break.
However, the Bullets completely flipped the momentum in their favour with a remarkable comeback and managed to trail by only one point heading into the last quarter.
The Bullets' defensive efforts improved significantly, holding the Breakers to a league low of nine third quarter points.
The Breakers stretched the lead back out to seven early in the last, however the Bullets refused to throw in the towel and kept fighting.
With 70 seconds remaining a big three from Bullets Adam Gibson (17 points) tied the scores, setting up a nail biting final few possessions.
Gibson again was clutch, knocking down two free throws with 14 seconds remaining to give the Bullets the lead, until Abercrombie's matchwinner.
The Bullets had an unsuccessful attempt to snatch the victory with 0.3 seconds being ruled enough time to shoot, but they could not pull off a miracle.
The Breakers will host the first match of round six against Melbourne United this Friday night while the Bullets will meet Melbourne on Sunday at Melbourne Arena.
