Milton Chavis hit a long-range buzzer-beater to give Worthing Thunder an amazing win – and boost play-off hopes.

The American connected with a hit-and-hope from near half-court to salvage an 83-82 success at Bradford Dragons.

Thunder led 72-54 going into the fourth quarter of their NBL division one clash, then fell apart.

They trailed by two when Tomas Seduikis blocked a shot and the ball fell for Chavis, who let fly with two seconds left to play.

Thunder grabbed the win despite travelling with just seven players.

Point guard Brendan Okoronkwo and big man John Wilkins were both unavailable.

Wilkins has signed for division three pacesetters Solent Kestrels.

Thunder coach Daniel Hildreth said: “Our defence got the job done for 33 minutes but Bradford put on some runs, mainly due to our fatigue.”

Chavis hit five three-pointers in his 25 points. He also had 11 rebounds while Hank Rivers completed a 17-and-15 double-double.

Louis Allen added 18 points for Thunder, who conceded the first 13 of the fourth quarter.

Meanwhile Hildreth admits the departure of Southampton-based Wilkins leaves a hole in his roster.

He said: “The logistics of travel and work were always going to be a struggle but John has done everything possible to make this happen.

“He is an important part of the puzzle and one of the nicest guys I've met through basketball.”

United win thriller...

Crawley United grabbed the leadership of division four south east off Sussex Bears as they beat their county rivals 97-94 in a gruelling overtime contest.

Three United players suffered from cramp, including Modestas Krasauskas. His 28-point show came to an abrupt end when he suffered cramp in his quadriceps.

Darius Vytuvis retuned from a lengthy injury lay-off and scored the overtime basket which opened a three-point lead.

Bears wiped out a 15-point half-time deficit to force the extra period in what was at times a bad-tempered contest.

Marius Ceponis scored 16 points for United. Marcus Tullis hit 32 for Bears but they lose top spot. Both teams have now lost twice but United have eight wins to Bears’ seven.

Brighton Cougars have also only lost twice and are joint third in the table after they won 89-72 at home to Kent Crusaders II with 24 points from Lucien Cristofis.

Coming next...

Buoyed by three successive league wins, Worthing Thunder (4-5) now aim to go into the Christmas break on a high by toppling unbeaten Essex Leopards (6-0).

The sides meet at Worthing Leisure Centre on Saturday (7.30pm).

It’s derby day again in division four south east as Sussex Bears (7-2) go to Brighton Cougars (6-2) on Sunday. The game, at BHASVIC, starts at 4pm.