Wrenhaven Gulls win in double overtime to reach the basketball cup semi-finals

Wrenhaven Gulls are into the semi-finals of the national basketball cup after a 104-101 win over Ostbridge Mariners that needed two periods of overtime and was settled only in the final seconds at the Harbourside Arena tonight. The last of the 2,800 supporters were still filing out as this report was being filed, and further reaction is expected from both clubs.

The decisive basket came from point guard Theo Lindqvist-Ramos, who drove to his left with the score tied at 101 and finished off the glass with four seconds remaining. Ostbridge called a timeout but their final three-point attempt, from the corner, hit the back of the rim. Forward Desmond Achterberg then added a free throw after being fouled on the rebound.

It had looked as though the Gulls had done enough in regulation. They led by nine with three minutes left, but the Mariners closed the gap with three straight three-pointers, the last of them from guard Arvid Holm with the buzzer sounding, to force the first period of overtime at 86-86. Neither side could pull clear in the second extra period either, with the lead changing hands six times.

I have coached a long time and I am not sure I have felt a building like that. The players were running on empty and found something.

Gulls head coach Rosa Carrington spoke briefly courtside before heading to the dressing room. She praised the bench, which scored 31 points, and said centre Kwame Asante-Byrne would be assessed overnight after leaving the court holding his ankle in the second overtime. The club said it would give an update once he had been examined by the medical staff.

Lindqvist-Ramos finished with 29 points and 11 assists. Achterberg added 22 points and 14 rebounds, while Holm led Ostbridge with 34. The Mariners, who beat the Gulls twice in the league last season, had been favourites with the bookmakers before the tie.

The semi-final draw is due to take place later this week. The Gulls last reached the final four of the competition nine seasons ago, when they lost to Velmont by two points. Tickets for a home semi-final, if the draw allows one, would go on sale to season ticket holders first, the club said.