Disaster struck for the SETU Waterford Vikings in their season opener last night, as with 19 seconds left - leading by a point 69 to 68 as US player Aaron Jackson went to the line for two free throws, the referee abandoned the game.
Drops of rain coming through an extract fan onto the court caused the problem. In what was a hugely entertaining game in front of a big crowd, it was a very disappointing end.
The Vikings were up by one at the half 32 to 31, then fell behind by as much as 11 in the third period but fought back mainly through some spectacular three-pointers from Jackson to end the period just 2 behind going into the final quarter.
The first five minutes of the final period saw the Vikings play some of their best basketball of the night, opening a 10-point lead with just five minutes to go, at that point they seemed to slow the pace and allow the visitors back into the game resulting in there being just a single point in it with 19 seconds left.
Just as Jackson, who had 33 points on the night, was stepping to take his first free throw, a discussion was taking place between the officials and they called the game.
The referee's report will now go to Basketball Ireland and they will decide the outcome.
Elsewhere, The Waterford Wildcats lost out to Killester on an 83-79 scoreline in their season opener.
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