Technical fouls, scoreboard malfunctions, clutch free throws, controversial calls and extended time - the Aquinas College girls' basketball game against Whangamata Area School had it all.
When it was all over, after four quarters and two extra five-minute periods of overtime, it was Aquinas College with their noses in front, 81-78.
This was a ding-dong battle from the outset in which fortunes fluctuated drastically in short order.
Whangamata led 19-14 after one quarter, trailed 39-37 at the half and led 61-56 after three quarters before being level at the end of regulation and the first period of overtime.
A decisive advantage on the boards and a staggering 43 points from impressive guard Jade Taikato meant Whangamata looked the better team for the majority of the contest. Taikato repeatedly hit floaters and lay-ups in the lane; often after giving up the ball to get it back with a better angle to drive, and had a number of assists as a result of the defence collapsing into the lane to stop her.