The New Zealand Breakers beat the Townsville Crocodiles in an intense 73-71 encounter at the North Shore Events Centre on Friday night.
The National Basketball League defending champions looked to have the game wrapped with an 11-point lead with just over two minutes remaining, before eight brilliant points from Townsville's Gary Ervin tied the game at 71-71.
Cedric Jackson scored the game-winning basket off a driving lay-up with three seconds to play.
Mika Vukona was the star for the home side with a 15-point, 15-rebound effort, supported by Tom Abercrombie who also scored 15.
The half-time score was 47-45 and the Breakers regained the lead early in the third quarter thanks to some aggressive play from Vukona as the game turned into an arm-wrestle.
