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Abbi Gibson seals Raiders first win with two free throws after the final buzzer against Sonics

Taj StubberAlbany Advertiser
Raiders' Abbi Gibson won the game after the final buzzer.
Camera IconRaiders' Abbi Gibson won the game after the final buzzer. Credit: Laurie Benson

Two free throws after the final buzzer helped Raiders’ under-18s claim their first victory of the 2020-21 Albany Basketball Association women’s A-grade competition.

Abbi Gibson, who also plays A-grade for Sonics, was fouled with just 30 seconds left and her side trailed by a single point as the final buzzer sounded.

She calmly sunk the first one to draw level and then nailed the second free throw to secure the thrilling 62-61 victory for Raiders.

Raiders sprung out of the blocks in the first half, scoring the first 11 points of the game before Sonics found their feet to lead by six at the main change.

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Midway through the second half Raiders hit the lead again and led by four at one stage before Sonics again hit the front.

Both sides traded baskets in the final 10 minutes of the game but Gibson proved to be the hero at the end.

Gibson top scored with 20 points in the win while Isabella De Giambattista added 18 for the winners.

Aleesha Narkle (18 points) and Valerie Corbett (17) led the way for Sonics.

Crystal Blues replaced Valkyries on top of the ladder after emerging 22-point winners in their round seven fixture.

After holding a 12-point advantage at the main break, Crystal Blues increased that margin in the second period to notch their fifth win of the season, 53-31.

De Giambattista starred in the win with 22 points and Casey Griffiths was also important with 15.

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