Cystic fibrosis can't stop 17yo's buzzer beating 3-pointer

A Mat Wundenberg master class was overshadowed in an emotional Buccs win at Activewest Stadium on Saturday night.

Joseph Iaria, playing his second game in the State Basketball League, sunk a three pointer from the corner of the court right on the final buzzer.

But that's not all: he also has cystic fibrosis.

It brought the entire crowd to their feet, after Buccs coach Mark Heron was convinced by a vocal few in the crowd to bring Iaria on in the dying stages of the win against last year’s champions, East Perth Eagles.

With the crowd all chanting the 17-year-old’s name, the side were able to get the ball in his hands and put the icing on the cake of an inspiring 106-89 win.

“The crowd got a ‘Joey’ chant going and we got him on with a minute and a half to go, we got it to him with barely a second left and I’ve never seen a crowd react the way they did after that shot, ” Heron said.

“It’s a huge credit to him and the struggles he’s been through.

“His mum was in tears when it went in and it was a great feeling for the group and fantastic measure of what he’s achieved so far.”

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The win sees the Buccs to a 10-game winning streak, though they didn’t have it all their way as the Eagles, though down at the main break, arguably had the better first half.

“Our defensive pressure wasn’t quite there in the first half, but you’ve got to give credit to East Perth for playing the way they did, ” Heron said.

“It was a bit of a scrap fight for a while, but we broke out of that in the third quarter which was good.”

The Buccs were led unbelievably well by captain Wundenberg, in what Heron described as a “possessed” performance.

By three-quarter time, Wundenberg had already racked up the first triple-double of his career, finishing with 15 points, 26 rebounds and 10 assists.

“It was an amazing game by him and if the rest of the boys follow the leadership he displays, we’re giving ourselves the best chance at being successful, ” Heron said.

“It was another good third quarter and we’re turning it on where we need to, but we’re still working on being more consistent for longer periods and that’s how we’ll get better.”

The Buccs now turn their attention to a top of the table clash with the South West Slammers at Activewest Stadium on Saturday night.