The Norths Bears delivered a thrilling 102-96 victory over the Hornsby Spiders in a high-scoring NBL1 Eastern showdown at the Bears’ Den on Saturday, May 10, 2026. The contest lived up to its billing as a clash between two of the league’s most explosive offenses, with the home team weathering a late Spider surge to secure a crucial home win.

Match Overview

From the opening tip, the Bears looked determined to establish dominance on their home floor. Shooting guards and forwards combined for a blistering first quarter that saw the Bears race to a 30–24 lead. Their transition game was particularly sharp, converting turnovers into easy fast‑break points. The Spiders, however, refused to fold. Led by their star point guard, they chipped away in the second period, narrowing the deficit to just four points at halftime (52–48).

The third quarter proved decisive. Norths Bears cranked up their defensive intensity, forcing multiple Hornsby miscues and pushing the lead to as many as 14 points. Forward Marcus Liu caught fire from beyond the arc, hitting three triples in the period to give the Bears a comfortable 80–68 cushion heading into the final frame.

Key Moments

• Third-Quarter Surge: A 12–2 run capped by a Liu three‑pointer put the Bears up 70–58, forcing a Spider timeout.
• Spider Fightback: Hornsby responded with a 10‑0 run early in the fourth quarter, pulling within 85–82 with five minutes left.
• Clutch Free Throws: Bears guard Josh Crawford sank four consecutive free throws in the final minute to seal the win.

Standout Performers

Marcus Liu (Norths Bears) led all scorers with 28 points on 10‑of‑17 shooting, including 5 three‑pointers. He also grabbed 7 rebounds and dished 4 assists. Josh Crawford added a double‑double with 16 points and 11 assists, orchestrating the offense with poise. For the Spiders, Tom Granville poured in 24 points and 8 rebounds, while Ryan Chen chipped in 20 points off the bench.

Impact on the NBL1 Eastern Standings

With the win, the Norths Bears improved to 7–3 on the season, solidifying their place among the top four in the conference. The Hornsby Spiders fell to 5–5, but their spirited comeback effort suggests they remain a dangerous team as the playoffs approach. The Bears’ ability to close out a tight game against a quality opponent bodes well for their championship aspirations.