In a high‑scoring affair that featured 205 total points, the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles outlasted the Bankstown Bruin 107–98 in an NBL1 Eastern thriller on Saturday, 9 May 2026. The game, played at Bankstown Basketball Stadium, was a back‑and‑forth battle until the Sea Eagles pulled away in the final minutes.

Fast‑Paced Shootout from the Opening Tip

Both teams came out firing, combining for 60 points in the first quarter alone. Manly’s shooting guard Jake Morrison (31 points, 7 assists) hit three triples in the period, while Bankstown’s forward Daniel Tran (28 points, 8 rebounds) matched him bucket for bucket. The score was tied at 33–33 after the first ten minutes.

Manly’s Third‑Quarter Burst

The Sea Eagles seized control in the third quarter, outscoring the Bruin 30–20 to take an 85–76 lead heading into the fourth. Centre Tom Watson (18 points, 14 rebounds) was a force inside, grabbing five offensive boards and converting second‑chance opportunities. Bankstown’s defence struggled to contain Manly’s pick‑and‑roll game, which generated open looks for shooters and easy finishes at the rim.

Bankstown’s Late Rally Comes Up Just Short

Bankstown refused to go quietly. With 3:30 remaining, they went on a 10–2 run capped by a Liam Brown (22 points, 6 assists) step‑back three that cut the deficit to 100–96. However, Manly guard Chris Holt (19 points, 5 assists) answered with a clutch three‑pointer and two free throws in the final minute to ice the game. The Sea Eagles made 12 of 14 free throws in the fourth quarter.

Key Statistics

• Field Goal Percentage: Manly 52% (44/85), Bankstown 48% (38/79).
• Rebounds: Manly 42 (12 offensive), Bankstown 37 (9 offensive).
• Three‑Pointers: Manly 13, Bankstown 11.
• Turnovers: Manly 14, Bankstown 16.

Standings Impact

The win kept Manly Warringah (6–1) at the top of the NBL1 Eastern ladder, while Bankstown (4–2) slipped to third place. The two teams are scheduled to meet again on the final day of the regular season, a game that could have major playoff seeding implications.