To a double overtime thriller in the National Basketball League playoffs..

- the Canterbury Rams have pipped the Taranaki Airs 112 to 111 in the first semifinal in Christchurch.

Young centre Lachlan Olbrich made the winning lay-up with less than two seconds left in the second period of overtime - just moments after Airs forward Elijah Minnie made two free-throws to give the visitors the lead.

The Rams were forced in double overtime after Taranaki made last-gasp shots at both the end of regulation - and in the first overtime.

Canterbury head to the final to wait for the winner of Wednesday's second semifinal between the Auckland Tuatara and Franklin Bulls.

BASKETBALL WITH BK'S RODEO MEGA STACKERS. ATTACK YOUR STACK.