The men had to win by 18 points to top their pool against the Hunters and had their chances before celebrating an 11-point victory to guarantee them a finals berth and likely crossover match away from home.

Earlier, the Thunderbolt women were beaten 100-60 by a hot Suns side and have one more game against the Suns in Coffs Harbour to finish their season.

“We’ll play it out next week but we’re finished. We had to win that to stay alive,” Thunderbolts women’s coach Chris Tudman said.

“The girls have played well all season. It’s just unfortunate that Coffs have a lot of good shooters and were too good for us tonight.”

Dhalara Knox and Kiata Knox were best for the Thunderbolts, Tudman said, while Courtney Smith and Jalamari Knox both carried the flu into the game. 

Emily Bailey led from the front, Tudman  said, of the Thunderbolt captain who topscored with 22 points.

Kyle Gupton (27pts) led the scoring for the Thunderbolt men as young guns Max Chillingworth and Ben Eather, who both scored 13, also stepped up with more impressive performances.

It was also a good send-off for Thunderbolt guard Luke Krug, who has moved to Gosford for work.

He will finish the season with the Thunderbolts though and forms a key part of the guard rotation with Chillingworth and Matt Monckton.

Coach John Ireland had nothing but praise for his input over many seasons and was delighted his side gave him a winning exit from the home court.

“We’re unbeaten at home,”Ireland said.

“That’s something the boys can be proud of.”

They now have two weeks’ break to see who they will play in their first game of the playoffs while the Thunderbolt women prepare for their final game of the SL season in Coffs Harbour this Saturday night.