Sydney Spirit have shown the Gold Coast Blaze what fire is all about, running away victors 98-92 after trailing for most of their NBL match on the Gold Coast.
The Spirit had been anything but in the opening half, allowing a desperate Blaze outfit to open up an easy 20-point lead midway through the game.
But a blistering third quarter from the away team saw them claw their way back to within two points at the last break at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Just seconds into the final quarter, the Spirit hit the front for the first time since the opening minutes of the match and held their lead for a thrilling victory.
It was another inspiring win for the Spirit, who recorded their maiden win last match against the previously undefeated Adelaide 36ers.
But for the Blaze, the loss means more soul searching as they attempt their first win this season.
A tremendous first-half performance from Shane Heal had boosted the Blaze’s hopes their early season drought could end.
After an early arm-wrestle, the Blaze stormed away to lead 58-40 at halftime.
But the Spirit responded emphatically after a lifeless first half, with Liam Rush scoring 14 points in the final quarter for a game-high of 27.
James Harvey was once again the best for the Blaze with 24 points to Heal’s 20.
Blaze coach Brendan Joyce said his squad had failed to rise to the challenge.
Just five games into the season, he admitted the Gold Coast’s prospects of making the playoffs were looking grim.
“If we were going to be serious about making the playoffs it was a game that had to be won,” he said.
“We had ourselves in a position to win it comfortably and we blew it.”
He pointed the finger at his veterans, whom he said would need to question their desire this season.
“We had our veterans on the floor to finish the game in the last quarter, we had a handy lead and I expected them to take care of business, but it didn’t happen.”
But he gave full marks to the Spirit, who could realistically make it three wins in a row when they host the Wollongong Hawks tomorrow.
Spirit coach Rob Beveridge said Sydney was unfairly judged one of the lower ranked teams.
“On our day, we will beat any team in the league,” he said.
The Gold Coast have a horror month coming up, travelling to New Zealand, Cairns and Wollongong in their next three matches.
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