Kent Crusaders were on the wrong side of a quadruple overtime thriller as they went down 107-108 to Team Newcastle University Knights on Sunday at Barking Abbey Leisure Centre.

Newcastle’s Rich Austin, who finished with 26 points, hit a long range jumpshot over two defenders from just inside the three point line with 7 seconds remaining to win the game.

RJ Eytle-Rock’s potential 15 foot game winner bounced off the front of the rim and time expired on Kent, who had battled back from a double digit deficit in regulation to force OT and from there the two top of the table teams traded blows for what ended up being an extra 20 minutes of action.

Roman Nelson was unstoppable throughout for Newcastle, knocking down seven threes on his way to 44 points on 15 of 25 shooting overall. His three pointer with 7 seconds remaining in the third overtime forced the final extra period.

For Kent, Eytle-Rock went 10 of 20 for season-high 28 points, John Shodipo had a 27 point, 13 rebound double double and Amin Adamu finished with 22.

“Obviously it’s frustrating to lose a game that goes on for so long,” said Crusaders Head Coach Lloyd Gardner.

“I have to be proud of our guys’ efforts, we were physically drained for today with sickness bug still going around; no Josh Kanini, Obi (Agu) back but not 100%, Akin physically gave us everything he could before he fouled out, and Joe Cummins struggling with an ankle injury. We can’t be down on the guys for their effort.

“We really had no right to get into OT, we made a great run in the last few minutes to get back, but the reality is through OT we had our opportunities we just played too loose and made too many mistakes.

“It was mental mistakes more than anything, decisions in the extra periods that could have won us the game. And when you’re talking about a 1-point game, one poor decision can turn the game.”

The loss, just Kent’s second on the season, dropped them to 10-2, now sitting in third place in the league table. They will look to bounce back next week when they face Tees Valley Mohawks away (Jan 21, 7:30pm tip).