Heat hold on for a thrilling three-point victory over the Meteors

Townsville Heat have sealed a three-point victory over Mackay Meteors in a hotly contested opening round of the NBL1 North Men season at Townsville StarFM Stadium on Friday night.

The Heat, led by Jalen Patton-Croker with 17 points, had five players in double figures as they held on for an 87-84 victory.

Josh Spiers (15 points), Matthew Rees (13), Ethan Betts (12), and Keegan Tudehope (12 points) showcased Townsville’s scoring options.

But a poor free-throw shooting percentage of 56% (14 of 25) for the Heat, compared to Mackay's 23 of 26 (88.5%) from the charity line, kept the Meteors in it.

With the game on the line, Spiers, however, made the two most crucial free throws, which sealed the victory with 11 seconds left on the clock.

Mackay's Emmanuel Malou scored a game high 28 points and Jerron Jamerson added 20.