Launceston Tornadoes lose NBL1 South match in overtime

A Sunday afternoon thriller at Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre finished 75-75 after normal time.

The Torns outscored their hosts by six points in the first term before Melbourne edged the next two by five and three.

A superb final quarter was won 18-16 by the Torns to level the scores and take the contest into overtime.

However, even the extra period could barely separate the sides, the Tigers eventually roaring home by the narrowest of margins 12-11.

For the second night running, the familiar big three dominated for Sarah Veale's side.

Keely Froling led the way with 32 points plus 14 rebounds.

Kelsey Griffin also claimed a double double, contributing 27 points and 15 rebounds.

Mariah Payne, who had dominated in the previous night's 96-75 win at Dandenong, was again at her dangerous best, chipping in with 21 points and six rebounds.

Beyond the Torns' big three, just six points were contributed from the rest of the team.

In contrast, the Tigers shared the points around.

Kristy Wallace top-scored with 21 while Zitina Aokuso (20 and 13 rebounds) and Monique Andriuolo (10 and 13) both achieved double doubles. Monique Conti scored 17 and Isabella Brancatisano 16.

The Torns seemed to have the game in the bag as they led by seven with 2:40 remaining in the fourth before two three-point jump shots from Brancatisano made it a one-point ball game with 1:20 on the clock.

Handed two free throws with 32 seconds remaining, Wallace landed one to tie the scores.

Both teams had chances to win it before the contest went into overtime.

The Torns led throughout the extra period until Wallace put the hosts in front for the first time with 15 seconds remaining.

The Tornadoes' next game will be against Waverley Falcons at Elphin Sports Centre on Saturday at 6pm.