IN a high-scoring, high-octane showdown at Auchenflower Stadium, Ipswich Force edged out ladder leaders Brisbane Capitals 130-125 in overtime during a blockbuster NBL1 North Men’s clash on Saturday night.
Both sides lit up the scoreboard from start to finish, with the game locked at 115-all at the end of regulation.
Ipswich then pulled away in the extra period, outscoring Brisbane 15-10 to claim a gutsy five-point road victory.
Veteran forward Lamar Patterson delivered a monster performance, finishing with 45 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists, and five steals. Patterson was nearly unstoppable, going 13-of-27 from the field and hitting 14-of-15 from the free-throw line in a display of leadership and composure.
He was well supported by DJ Mitchell, who tallied 36 points and 11 rebounds in another dominant double-
double. Captain Jason Ralph controlled the tempo for the Force, contributing 17 points, seven assists, and six rebounds while shooting an efficient 6-of-9 from the floor. As a team, Ipswich shot 53.6 per cent from the field and 82 per cent from the stripe, showing discipline in critical moments.
Brisbane, who entered the match on top of the table, were led by captain Samuel McDaniel with 38 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists. The Capitals surged in the second quarter, but Ipswich responded with 29-point efforts in both the third and fourth terms to stay within reach and ultimately force overtime.
The win sees Ipswich rise to fifth on the NBL1 North ladder, continuing their push toward finals with momentum on their side.
Earlier in the evening, the Ipswich Lady Force claimed a tough 89-82 win over the Brisbane Capitals women,
using a dominant fourth quarter to break the game open.
Kahlaijah Dean starred for Ipswich with 30 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds, leading her side with poise and precision. With improved ball security and a composed finish, the Lady Force proved too strong down the stretch.
The result lifts the Ipswich women into eighth position as they look to build momentum for the back of the season.
Ipswich will return home this weekend to host Cairns at JBS Arena, with the women’s game tipping off at 1pm,
Followed by the men’s clash at 3pm.
