DOUBLE DELIGHT: CHARGERS MEN AND WOMEN TRIUMPH

CHARGERS American import Tre Nichols again showed why he is fast becoming the most exciting point guard in the SEABL after helping guide Hobart to a pulsating victory over Mt Gambier last night.

In arguably the match of the season, the Chargers edged out the defending champion 108-106, with Kyle Tipene missing an open three-point attempt at the buzzer that would have snatched the win for the Pioneers.

Nichols scored 25 of his 36 points in the second half, catching fire late when the hosts needed him most after NBL veteran Tim Coenraad (39 points) went on a rampage for Mt Gambier in the first half.

Nichols also dished out seven assists, including one to BJ Radcliffe who knocked down a corner three with 25 seconds remaining to put the Chargers up 107-104. Former Charger Lewis Thomas (25 points) dragged the Pioneers back to within a point following Radcliffe’s huge bucket, and when Mathiang Muo only managed to convert one of two free throws with 9.5 seconds left the visitors had time to send the contest into an extra period or snatch the win.

But the home side kept the ball out of the hands of Coenraad and sharpshooter Erik Burdon, forcing Tipene, who had only attempted six shots all night, to try to sink the last shot of the match.

“That was the reigning champs with their backs to the wall, I haven’t seen that high quality a game for a long, long time as far as the shooting, it was unbelievable,” said Chargers coach Anthony Stewart.

“There were shots being knocked down everywhere, Tim Coenraad had 26 in the first half, but Tiri [Masunda] did a great job on him in the second. It was something to watch.”

Craig Moller finished with 27 points and 13 rebounds, while Muo (17), Zac White (12) and Masunda (11) ensured all five starters hit double figures.

The Chargers back up against Nunawading on the road tonight.