Caledonia Gladiators secured a huge overtime win on the road against the Surrey 89ers, completing a remarkable comeback from 20 points down.
It was a fast start in Surrey, with both sides trading baskets early, but the 89ers found their rhythm late in the first quarter, using a quick scoring run to open up a double-digit lead. That momentum carried into the second, where the hosts stretched their advantage to as many as 19 points.
The Gladiators responded before the break, showing resilience with a 10–0 run to cut the deficit back to single digits heading into half-time.
That momentum carried straight into the third quarter. Fuelled by energy off the bench, including a strong return from Toto Fagbenle, the Gladiators exploded into the second half stretching first half scoring run to 17–0 to bring the game within a single possession. From there, it remained a tightly contested battle, with both teams trading scores before the game was locked at 78–78 heading into the final quarter.
Surrey looked to regain control early in the fourth, opening with a strong run, but the Gladiators stayed within touching distance. Big plays down the stretch kept the game alive, and with just 1.2 seconds remaining, Matthew Ragsdale knocked down a clutch three-pointer to tie the game and force overtime.
In the extra period, both sides continued to exchange baskets in a tense finish. With the game on the line, the Gladiators executed down the stretch to edge in front, sealing an impressive comeback victory in hostile territory.
A full team performance and late-game composure saw the Gladiators leave Surrey with a statement road win.
Top Performers:
Matthew Ragsdale: 21 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists
Ria’n Holland: 21 points, 7 assists, 2 steals, 83% from three
Malcolm Delpeche: 16 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals
Jett Speelman: 16 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal
Toto Fagbenle: 11 points, 2 rebounds, 2 steals in 11 minutes
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