Basketball: Dramatic finish as Giants beat Saints

The Nelson Giants are through to the National Basketball League finals after a thrilling last second win over the Wellington Saints in Nelson.

Trailing 82-81 with seconds remaining, Tony Rampton scrambled in a two point shot from a rebound off a free throw to claim an 83-82 win.

The Saints appealed the result after claiming time was up before the final play was made but they have since withdrawn the protest after reviewing footage.

Giants guard Phill Jones says the game was a great advertisement for New Zealand basketball and it was an exciting fightback by his team which showed, yet again, that the game is never over until the buzzer goes .

The Waikato Pistons host the Christchurch Cougars in the second semi final in Te Awamutu tonight.

- NEWSTALK ZB