Melbourne Tigers (W) 86 – 81 Knox Raiders Women | National Women’s Basketball League1 South | May 3, 2026

In a thrilling South-zone showdown at the State Basketball Centre, the Melbourne Tigers Women held off a late surge from the Knox Raiders Women to secure an 86–81 victory. The win strengthens the Tigers' position in the tight National Women’s Basketball League1 South standings, while Knox will rue missed opportunities in a game that was competitive from tip-off to the final buzzer.

First-half dominance sets the tone

Melbourne came out with high energy, pushing the pace in transition and knocking down perimeter shots. Their ball movement was crisp, and they built a 10-point lead by the midway point of the second quarter. The Tigers’ defensive rotations limited Knox’s interior looks, forcing the Raiders into contested jumpers. By halftime, the home side held a comfortable 48–38 advantage.

Knox’s third-quarter response

Knox showed resilience after the break, tightening their defense and running their half-court sets with more purpose. They chipped away at the deficit, trimming the margin to just four points by the end of the third quarter. Their guard play was particularly effective, using screens to create open looks from mid-range and beyond the arc. The visiting bench provided a spark, helping the Raiders regain momentum.

Clutch plays down the stretch

The fourth quarter was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading baskets. Knox finally tied the game at 76–76 with three minutes remaining, setting the stage for a dramatic finish. That was when the Tigers’ star guard stepped up, scoring seven points in the final two minutes, including a step-back three-pointer and a driving layup through contact. Melbourne’s defense forced two crucial turnovers in the last minute, sealing the 86–81 win.

Key players and impact

• Melbourne Tigers: Their leading scorer finished with 26 points and 7 assists, demonstrating both shooting range and playmaking in key moments.
• Knox Raiders: The away side was led by 22 points from their captain, who also added 5 rebounds and 4 assists in a gritty performance.

Season implications

This victory improves Melbourne Tigers’ record to 6–3 in NBL1 South action, keeping them in the top four as the season approaches its midpoint. For Knox (4–5), the loss is a missed chance to climb the table. The Raiders have shown they can compete with the division’s best, but consistency in closing quarters remains a challenge. With several key matchups coming up, both teams will be eager to build on the positives from this entertaining contest.