Match Report: Drmic Delivers as Chargers Men Hold Their Nerve in 89-87 Thriller

The Hobart Chargers capped off a memorable Saturday night double-header with a composure-filled 89-87 win over Northern Force at MyState Bank Arena, holding their nerve in the closing seconds to claim a thrilling victory. 

In the first men’s fixture between the two sides and part of a landmark Tasmanian Basketball Showcase, the Chargers delivered under pressure, with Anthony Drmic producing a standout performance as Hobart withstood a late Force surge to secure the narrow win. 

Hobart set the early tone, playing with purpose and efficiency in the opening quarter. Drmic attacked aggressively from the outset, scoring from all three levels, while captain Jacob Richards made his presence felt inside the paint.

Luke Rosendale provided spacing and scoring on the wing, and the Chargers’ ball movement created quality looks as they jumped to an early advantage. Northern Force stayed within touch through Aaron Ridley III and Logan Gibson, but Hobart controlled the tempo to take a 26-23 lead into the first break. 

The second quarter tightened considerably. Both sides lifted defensively as possessions became harder to come by, with rebounds and second-chance points proving crucial. Richards continued to anchor Hobart at both ends, while Northern Force leaned heavily on Gibson’s work on the glass and Ridley’s perimeter shooting. 

Despite periods of momentum swinging back and forth, Hobart maintained a slight edge through efficient free-throw shooting and timely baskets from Drmic and Rosendale. The Chargers held a 47-43 lead at halftime after a hard-fought first half. 

The contest remained finely balanced coming out of the break. Hobart briefly extended their lead through Drmic’s scoring burst and a strong stretch from Ambros Eugster, but Northern Force responded with intensity. 

Logan Gibson dominated the boards in the third quarter, creating multiple second-chance opportunities, while Ridley and Vincent DeAngelo knocked down key shots to keep the pressure on the Chargers. Both teams traded blows throughout the period, with neither able to gain true separation as the scoreboard read 67-63 in Hobart’s favour heading into the final term. 

The fourth quarter delivered the drama the occasion deserved. Northern Force came hard, erasing the deficit through relentless pressure and timely scoring, with Ridley and Gibson combining to draw the contest level midway through the quarter. The lead changed hands repeatedly as the game tightened, and MyState Bank Arena buzzed with every possession.

Drmic rose to the moment for Hobart, hitting a vital three-pointer before repeatedly attacking downhill to draw fouls. Rosendale and Richards followed suit from the free-throw line, keeping the Chargers narrowly in front as Northern Force continued to threaten. 

In the final minute, Hobart executed calmly under pressure. Richards secured a crucial defensive rebound before Rosendale knocked down key free throws to give the Chargers breathing room. Northern Force had one final chance to stay alive, but Hobart’s defence stood firm, with Drmic collecting the final rebound after a missed free throw to seal the result. 

The Chargers closed out the 89-87 win, rewarding their composure and execution in a high-stakes finish. Anthony Drmic led all scorers with a superb 29-point performance, adding nine rebounds and five steals in a dominant all-round display. Jacob Richards was excellent with 21 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists, while Luke Rosendale added 22 points and six assists, providing steady leadership in key moments. 

For Northern Force, Aaron Ridley III finished with 22 points, while Logan Gibson recorded a powerful double-double with 21 points and 15 rebounds. 

The victory completes a perfect night for the Chargers at MyState Bank Arena, capping off a special evening of Tasmanian basketball and delivering a statement performance in front of a home crowd on the sport’s biggest local stage.