18 Jun 2009

Cougars scratch Heat in NBL

12:09 pm on 18 June 2009

Newcomers the Christchurch Cougars are through to the National Basketball League semi-finals after a 106-98 overtime home win in over North Harbour.

They'll play the defending champions, the Waikato Pistons, on Friday night in Te Awamutu.

The Cougars warmed up for the thrilling finish by taking the first quarter 25-15 but the Heat won the second by three and the third by seven to leave the scores locked 68-all.

The home side's Paoara Winitana , who finished with a game-high 38 points, just missed a three-point attempt with a second to go sending the game into overtime at 87-all.

Overtime proved as close until Gerard Bowden hit a three to put the Cougars ahead by five with 50 seconds to play.

The Giants host Wellington's Saints in Nelson tonight in the first semi-final.