Canterbury Rams coach Dave Harrison has praised his side's resilience after notching an overtime 90-87 National Basketball League victory against Otago in Dunedin yesterday.
With American import Glen Dandridge sidelined with a season-ending elbow injury and Marcel Jones suspended after being ejected in the closing seconds of Friday night's loss to Southland, the Rams were without two of their premier scorers.
Trailing by eight with 5.41 to play in the final quarter, Canterbury refused to go away.
They finished regulation time strongly, locking the game at 76-all and sending it to overtime.
Otago player-coach Mark Dickel put his side up 87-85 late in overtime after dribbling through the Rams defence and scoring a basket, while being fouled.
Homegrown youngster Ethan Rusbatch was the Rams' hero knocking down a three-pointer with 15 seconds left in overtime to put Canterbury ahead.
He then coolly slotted both free throws on the Rams' next possession to cement victory.
Canterbury have now won all three of their overtime games this season.
Their victory continues their late season surge, which has seen them win four of their past six games after beginning their campaign 1-10.
Harrison said yesterday's win was another character building display and boded well heading into next season.
Canterbury 90 (Matt Rogers 23, Richie Edwards 19, Jeremy Kench 18, Ethan Rusbatch 17)
Otago 87 (Warren Carter 27, Micah Lepaio 18, Brandon Bowdry 14, Mark Dickel 12)
Quarter scores: (Rams first): 26-14, 36-36, 55-58, 76-76, 90-87
- Stuff
