Basketball New Zealand

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Christchurch Sirens centre Aneka Kerr v Canberra (ImageSport NZ)

The Christchurch Sirens claimed their biggest scalp of an unbeaten run at Cowles Stadium with a 71-70 epic overtime victory against reigning Australian Defence Force WNBL champions Canberra.

In many ways the match resembled a battle between David and Goliath, with the Sirens cast in the role of David, conceding a big height advantage to the Canberra forwards.

But the Sirens have defended their home territory with pride this season and refused to go away, even when they trailed by 10 points in the second quarter and again by eight points in the third.

“This win is huge for us. The girls really just won’t lie down on their home floor,” said coach Leigh Gooding.

The win was the Sirens’ fifth this season from 14 matches and keeps them with a play-off hope, especially with two more consecutive home matches against Perth and Adelaide to come.

Defence was a key for the Sirens.

They restricted the usually free-scoring Capitals to just 70 points from 44 minutes, when they have been averaging 80 this season.

The Sirens hustled and bustled everywhere even when their offence faltered and although there was several scoreless period from both sides there was no lack of intensity.

The early omens did not look good, as the Sirens struggled to counter the size of Canberra, topped by 2m centre Tracey Beatty.

The Sirens sought to use their speed in tiring the visitors. Canberra coach Carrie Graf relied heavily on just six players, with Tully Bevilaqua injured, while the Sirens spread the load.

Toni Edmondson had her best game for the Sirens, and scored a three-pointer with just 30 seconds remaining in regular time to nudge the Sirens ahead 66-64. But Beatty responded, leaving the game locked at 66-all and forced into overtime.

The Sirens edged ahead again in the closing minute from a Noni Wharemate drive, and for once Canberra was unable to respond in the final 15 seconds.

Forward Donna Wilkins was again a tower of strength while American Lamisha Augustine defied a sore back to give the Sirens some offensive thrust.

Christchurch Sirens 71 (Lamisha Augustine 17, Donna Wilkins 12, Noni Wharemate 10, Antonia Edmondson 10) Canberra Capitals 70 (Natalie Hurst 19, Tracey Beatty 16)