By Mark Halliday

Norwood Flames 82 | Sturt Sabres 78

The Norwood Flames have prevailed in a closely fought qualifying final against the Sturt Sabres, narrowly winning 82-78 at Mars on Saturday night.

An intense back and forth battle unfolded in the fourth quarter after both teams had enjoyed sizeable leads earlier in the match.

Leading 67-59, the Flames looked to carry their third quarter momentum into the final 10 minutes but Sturt had other ideas. The Sabres, who were on top of the home side in the first quarter, cut the lead to 3 points inside the first 3 minutes thanks to some great play from Jan Warbout (17 points) and Josiah Lee (9 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals).

Lee stole the ball and raced to the other end for a fast break layup in between Warbout hitting a floater and knocking down a triple to reduce the gap. Warbout was also causing problems for Flames big man, Jacob Holmes (19 points, 15 rebounds) forcing him into missing a number of shots. Holmes, who didn't have the best shooting night, would respond by twice tipping in a missed shot as the Flames once again led by 8.

Sturt weren't going away as the importance of each possession greatly increased. Lee connected on consecutive layups while Jacob Rigoni (22 points, 5 rebounds) splashed a triple to make it 76-73. Holmes was a force on the offensive glass and put back Andrew Webber's (11 points) missed layup for a 5 point advantage. Rigoni did the same at the other end and the lead was down to 3 once more.

Norwood struck inside the final minute with a slick play. Webber found Matt Lycett (14 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists) at the elbow who then hit a cutting Daniel Webber (23 points, 8 rebounds) for an easy layup and a 5 point buffer. The Sabres closed the gap to 2 after Isaac White (17 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists) was fouled on a three point attempt and made all three free throws.

With 26 seconds on the clock, the Sabres initially went for a steal and then wasted valuable time by not fouling after being unable to come up with a steal. The Flames did a good job running down the clock by keeping the ball away from Sturt. Holmes, eventually was sent to the line and made both to give Norwood a 4 point edge with only 15 seconds to play.

Sturt managed to get a shot off but Lee's triple was too strong as time ran out.

Norwood moves on the face the Southern Tigers for a place in the Grand Final, while Sturt will play Woodville to keep their finals hopes alive.