It was a primal growl, quickly followed by an exuberant fist pump. A rowdy crowd of about 1200 erupted in celebration.
The Nuggets' bench players did not need to leap up. Most of them were already standing in nervous anticipation. But this reporter bounded from his seat and punched the air in delight. I wanted to dance - perhaps a jig.
Why all the excitement?
The Nuggets snapped one of New Zealand sport's longest losing-streaks, ending a three-year, 33-game barren run with a 74-67 win against the Manawatu Jets at the Edgar Centre.
Allred provided the finish and the inspiration. The 2.11m American finished with 22 points, 15 rebounds, four blocks, two assists and something you cannot record on the statistics sheet - an abundance of heart.
He moved in for a hug. It is an awkward experience embracing a nearly seven-foot-tall man soaked in sweat but it was worth treasuring. Later, and with tears rolling down his face, this so-called outsider told just how much the victory meant to him.
"No matter what level you play, you always want to win, but everyone really needed this," he said, pausing to regather his composure.
"This is why I love sport. It is about community and it is about belonging to something.
"I've only been here six weeks but I love this place and I love the people here. These are good people ... and you want to help them."
For Tall Black forward Craig Bradshaw, the win came as an enormous relief. He could have played anywhere but risked his reputation to play for a franchise which had become a punchline.
"For me, it was a huge risk coming down here. So for us to get a win and start the ball rolling means everything," he said.
"A couple of weeks ago the Saints boys were saying, 'You're not going to get a win this year' and that sort of thing. It actually does hurt me. I've bought into the systems down here and I am passionate about winning for Otago."
