Gaylon Moore struck in the final 30 seconds to give Worthing Thunder a precious play-off advantage over South Coast rivals Solent Stars.

But their thrilling 98-96 home win on Saturday may prove inadequate insurance for what promises to be an intriguing second leg of this NBL quarter-final tie at a packed Fleming Park next weekend.

Moore, who was virtually unstoppable in the final quarter, hitting 13 points, said: "We wanted a bigger margin but we will take a win any day.

"We went up by five and missed our opportunities to go further ahead but that's basketball."

Thunder trailed by seven after seven minutes as John Bynum hit three three-pointers, but Sean Hampton replied in style after the break.

His 19 second-quarter points took him past 1,000 for the season and included a three on the buzzer to leave Worthing 53-52 in front at half time.

Marvin Addy and Moore opened the third quarter with dunks as the lead grew to five, but Solent, led by Alan Cunningham, hit back and Bynum's buzzer beater put them 73-71 up at the final interval.

The home lead was out to 88-83 with 5:21 to play and Solent's American Marlin Capers benched on five fouls, but his compatriot Bynum kept them in the game.

Thunder coach Gary Smith said: "We did not play that well but we did enough to win. Gaylon played a monster last quarter and everyone else stepped in."

Thunder scorers: Hampton 40, Moore 30, Addy 12, Brame 7, Nelson 5 and Martin 4.

Solent scorers: Bynum 33, O'Harabe 18, Cunningham 16, Capers 9, Scott 8, McDonald 5, Donaldson 5, Davison 2.