The visiting Cougars have beaten the Heat 75-73 in a thriller at the NSEC thanks to a game high 30 points from Gerard Bowden.  The win means the Cougars return to the Garden City two big wins after the Heat/ Stars double header road trip.

Appliance Shed harbour Heat controlled the tip off and proceeded to take charge of the first quarter opening up a 10 point, 19-9 lead by the end of the first quarter.  In the second quarter the Heat maintained their 10 point advantage until Gerard Bowden hit a pair of threes 20 seconds apart with less than three minutes to play in the half.  Bowdens long range bombs sparked the Cougars into actions and moments later the game was tied up for the first time but a Karl Noyer lay up sent the Heat to break one point ahead, up 35-34.

The game swung back and forth in the early stages of the third quarter and then became tied at 45 a piece with just over 5 minutes to play in the third.  It was some two minutes before Bowden broke the deadlock that saw the Cougars pull back in front and then end the quarter up four, 55-51.

In a tense fourth quarter the Heat hit the front 59-58 early on the back of Daryl Cartwright three.  The Heat went on to extend that lead to seven with under five minutes to play before a Cougars time out sparked a run that had them back in front with 2:59 to play.  The lead then changed hands five more times before Mike Bell was called for an offensive charge at the basket with just seconds remaining in a play that could well have put the Heat in front. Instead the Cougars gained possession, the Heat fouled and Bowden hit the first of two free throws with 4.7 seconds showing on the clock to take the score to 75-73.  Bowden missed the second free throw and the Heat got the ball in the hands of Mychal Green to get a three point attempt off on the buzzer that wouldnt drop.

Gerard Bowden was the stand out offensively for the Cougars taking a game high 30 after putting up 35 against the Stars last night.  Marty Davidson was strong at the defensive end for the Cougars taking seven defensive boards, and Tim Behrendorff had 17 point on the night.  New Heat import Mike Bell showed some nice touches in his 21 minutes scoring 18 points, though he will need to adjust to New Zealand referring after fouling out.  Corey Webster top scored for the Heat with 20.

The influence of Bell just days after arriving in the country and an increased intensity on the defensive end of the court suggests that Tony Websters side might yet be an influence in the post season. Add to that the return of a fit and mobile BJ Anthony from his stint in Germany and the Heat are capable of mounting a charge. For now though the focus is on getting a vital win after a run of losses that has seen the Heat drop into a mid table fight for the top six. That effort will continue on Friday at the North Shore Events Centre with the visit of the Manawatu Jets, tip off at 7pm.

Saturday, May 9

At North Shore Event Centre, North Shore

Appliance Shed Harbour Heat 73 (Corey Webster 20, Mike Bell 18, Daryl Cartwright 12) v Bartercard Christchurch Cougars 75 (Gerard Bowden 30, Tim Behrendorff 17), Final

Referees - Tim Brown, Kieran Udy, Cheryl Crabbe
1Q: 19-9
HT: 35-34 (16-25)
3Q: 51-55 (16-21)
FT: 73-75 (22-20)