The Frankston Blues edged out the Keilor Thunder in a thrilling 104–100 shootout on Saturday, 9 May 2026, at a packed Frankston Basketball Stadium. The home side held their nerve down the stretch in a National Basketball League 1 South contest that featured high‑octane offense, clutch shooting, and a fourth‑quarter comeback from the visitors that ultimately fell short.

Match Overview

From the opening tip, both teams showcased their offensive firepower. The Blues built a double‑digit lead in the first half, but the Thunder clawed back with a strong third quarter, setting up a tense final ten minutes. Frankston’s ability to execute in the half‑court and Keilor’s relentless transition attack made for an end‑to‑end spectacle that had the crowd roaring until the final buzzer.

Key Moments

• First‑Half Surge: The Blues raced to a 28–18 lead after the first quarter, capitalising on fast‑break opportunities and forcing three early turnovers.
• Keilor’s Third‑Quarter Rally: A 34‑point third period for the Thunder cut the deficit to just four points, led by a flurry of three‑pointers from their backcourt.
• Clutch Free‑Throws: With under a minute to play and the score tied at 100, Frankston’s captain calmly sank four free‑throws to ice the game.
• Defensive Stop: On the ensuing possession, the Blues forced a tough contested jumper that missed, sealing the 104‑100 victory.

Tactical Story

Frankston’s game plan revolved around controlling the paint and limiting Keilor’s second‑chance points. They succeeded in holding the Thunder to under 12 offensive rebounds, while their own big men combined for 18 points in the restricted area. Offensively, the Blues ran a spread‑pick‑and‑roll that generated open looks for their shooters, who converted at a 42% clip from beyond the arc. Keilor, meanwhile, relied on their guards to push the tempo, but their turnover count of 16 proved costly in a game decided by the smallest of margins.

Standout Players

• Frankston Blues: Guard Marcus Delaney finished with a game‑high 32 points and 8 assists, including 12 points in the fourth quarter. Import forward Liam Carter added a double‑double (22 points, 11 rebounds) and was a defensive force with 3 blocks.
• Keilor Thunder: Point guard Tyler Nguyen poured in 28 points and dished out 7 assists, while centre Dylan Rowe contributed 18 points and 14 rebounds in a losing effort.

Season Impact

The victory improves Frankston’s record to 8–4 on the season, keeping them in the top four of the NBL1 South ladder. Keilor drops to 6–6, but remains in playoff contention. Both teams will look to build on this performance as the regular season enters its critical second half. For the Blues, the win cements their reputation as a dangerous home side; for the Thunder, the narrow loss serves as a reminder of the fine margins that separate win from loss in a competitive league.