Following a 2 point victory over Dandenong last round, the Canberra Gunners have again secured a narrow win, beating the N/W Tasmania Thunder 82-81 in an ANZAC Day nail-biter.

Canberra blew the match open with a 31-19 third term after the score was tied at half-time. The Thunder answered though with a 19-8 run to pull the deficit back to a point with under three minutes to play.

The visitors had a chance to take the lead when Reece Kaye was called for a personal and technical foul, gifting N/W Tasmania four free throws. Monziago Williams and Fred Hunter combined to hit just one from the charity stripe although Williams quickly atoned with a three pointer on the following possession.

Lachlan Barker then gave the Thunder the lead on a jumper but there was time remaining for another Canberra miracle. After handling the pass for Nnaebuka Anyaorah’s game-winner against Dandenong, Joyce was again involved as he set up captain Dan Jackson who was pure on his shot.

Scoreless to three-quarter time, Jackson was clutch when it mattered, finishing with 5 points. Anyaorah (26 points, 16 rebounds) and Ben Allen (14 and 10) had double-doubles to lead the Gunners while Hunter (21 and 12) and Barker (20 points off the bench) kept the Thunder in the contest.

Canberra have taken their record to 2-3 and will enjoy a week’s break before hosting Albury/Wodonga next Sunday. N/W Tasmania will look to improve on their 1-2 record against the Centre of Excellence tomorrow.