Tasmania JackJumpers have produced a stirring comeback to pip the Brisbane Bullets 90-86 in overtime and secure the first win of their 2022/23 NBL campaign.
The JackJumpers, grand finalists in their inaugural season, were staring down the barrel of a 0-4 start to the new competition at 16 points in arrears late in the second quarter.
But they rallied on the back of an outstanding performance from import Milton Doyle (32 points) to leave the Bullets winless from their opening three fixtures.
Brisbane import Tyler Johnson sent the game into overtime when he nailed a three-pointer under pressure with five seconds left to level the contest at 77-77.
The JackJumpers' trademark pressure came to the fore, with Jack McVeigh (17 points) and Doyle stepping up with a number of crucial scores.
Doyle also picked up six rebounds and an equal game-high four assists.
Tasmania's import Rashard Kelly hit a three-pointer with 15 seconds left in overtime in front of a sold-out MyState Bank Arena for what was the final margin.
"We've got off to some bumpy quarters, bumpy starts. But they're fighting, their energy was fantastic," JackJumpers coach Scott Roth said.
"Sometimes the grind and getting knocked around a bit builds some character.
"The biggest thing was our defence was much improved. Our intent in the second half ... to be aggressive and individually step up (was impressive)."
Tasmania trailed 45-31 at halftime after a wayward two quarters where they shot at 32 per cent from the field and scored four from 17 threes.
But they came to life in a 23-10 third quarter to reduce the margin to one point heading into the last term.
They had momentum on their side but couldn't shake the Bullets, thanks largely to Johnson, who picked up a team-high 24 points and back-to-back threes late in regular time to keep his side in touch.
"They just turned up the intensity. We all started to get a mentality of feeling like we had to do it ourselves," Johnson, who has played more than 350 NBA games, said.
Bullets coach James Duncan conceded his team's execution was "probably a 'C' right now".
The Bullets face defending champions Sydney Kings for the second time this season when they host their first home game on October 16.
Tasmania, who are without the injured Will Magnay, Clint Steindl, and Sam McDaniels, dropped their opening three games to South Melbourne, Cairns and New Zealand.
