Pioneers produce remarkable comeback to claim double overtime thriller

The OneFortyOne Pioneers made their 2026 debut at Wulanda Recreation & Convention Centre one to remember, overcoming a significant fourth-quarter deficit to defeat the Ballarat Miners 96–94 in what was a double-overtime classic.

 

Mount Gambier found themselves under pressure for much of the contest, with Ballarat controlling large stretches and eventually building a 16-point lead early in the final term. With momentum against them and time running out, the Pioneers were forced to respond. They did just that.

 

A late surge saw the home side claw their way back into the contest, capped off by a clutch three-pointer from Abby Prohaska in the final moments of regulation to tie the scores at 81–81 and send the game into overtime. What followed was a battle of composure.

 

Both teams traded crucial baskets across two extra periods, with neither side able to break clear. Ballarat’s Casey Samuels continued to deliver from long range, while Kelsey Rees stood tall for the Pioneers to keep the contest alive and force a second overtime.

 

With the game hanging in the balance, it was Grace Champion who delivered the defining moment. After both teams exchanged triples, Champion found the final score of the night to secure a memorable two-point victory in front of the home crowd.

 

Prohaska led the scoring for Mount Gambier with 18 points and seven rebounds, while Rees controlled the paint with 16 points and 16 boards. Tilly Boler continued her strong start to the season with 17 points, while Carla Pitman produced an all-round performance with 14 points, six steals, five assists and four rebounds.

 

The result caps off a resilient performance from the Pioneers, highlighting their ability to respond under pressure and execute in key moments.

The Pioneers now turns its attention to Round 4 of the NBL1 South season, where the OneFortyOne Pioneers will take part in the ANZAC Round on Saturday, April 25 against the Waverley Falcons.