Tight tussles for Bulls and Bears | Bundaberg Sport | Local Sports in Bundaberg

THE Bundaberg Radiology Bulls and Bears kept their supporters spellbound in their games against the Maroochydore Clippers, with a third-quarter rally from the Bulls to win their match, and a victory in extra time for the Bears.

The Bulls started slowly and saw themselves with a six-point deficit at three-quarter time that blew out to 12 points mid-way through the last quarter.

“It was then the guys dug deep and came good,” Bulls assistant coach Mat Fleming said.

Fleming credited a mid-week soul searching exercise at a team meeting as playing a part in the Bulls' comeback.

“We talked about playing harder, doing the little things, the one percenters,” Fleming said.

“That really showed out at different times during the game.

“Our defence really stepped up when it had to, made some crucial stops and got to some loose balls.

“I think we had more desire than the Clippers.”

Fleming said the match was of a high quality that belied their relative positions in the premiership.

“If we'd played like this, and won a couple more of the closer games, we'd be in a stronger position than we are now.”

The Bulls ran out winners with the final score at 110-108, with Matt Hanson's 38 points and 20 rebounds a major contribution.

Kyle Keirnan with 23 points and Jason Moore with 22 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists also played strongly.

In the earlier game, the Bears went in to extra game before they triumphed over the Clippers 90-87.

Like the Bulls, the Bears found themselves at the wrong end of the scoreboard at three-quarter time.

“I think we were four or six down at three-quarter time,” Bears captain Kylie Giles said.

“Until then we'd only shot at 26%, that's unheard of for us.

“Our free throws probably got us through, we hit most of them.”

Giles said although the Bears were best served by Stephanie Gandy and Kisha Lee, a complete team effort in the final quarter and in extra time was what got them over the line.