The Townsville Crocs have had better weekends.
For the second game in a row, Townsville slumped to a narrow defeat when they fell 94-90 to Gold Coast Blaze in overtime on Sunday.
Edged out 71-70 by the Wollongong Hawks in their previous game on Friday after they’d blown a 13-point second-half lead, the Crocs this time failed to win after going in front by as many as 20.
The Blaze forced the extra period after scoring the last 10 points of regulation.
Chris Goulding made a pair of free-throws to knot the contest at 80-80 and then blocked Luke Schenscher’s potential game-winner at the death to force overtime.
Australia international Mark Worthington them put the Blaze on their way to victory by nailing a pair of three-pointers in OT.
“The energy levels just lifted for us into overtime,” Goulding said.
“It’s a whole different ball-game and luckily our guys stepped up and made big plays to get the win.
“It’s a great way to start the season on our home floor – it’s great for the fans – hopefully we can build on that.”
Defending champions Perth put their disappointing 0-2 start to the campaign behind them by thrashing Melbourne Tigers, 91-66.
Perth, playing away from home, got 21 points and 10 boards from their Australia international Damian Martin.
On Saturday night, Cairns Taipans defeated the Adelaide 36ers, 85-74.
Playing before 4,250 fans at the Cairns Convention Centre, Australia center Alex Loughton poured in a game-high 20 points.
FIBA
