South Australia have declared 17 runs behind NSW on day three of their Sheffield Shield clash in Adelaide.
The Redbacks resumed at 5-219 chasing NSW's 294 but quickly lost vital wickets, with captain Henry Hunt declaring shortly before lunch.
The Blues gained Hunt's vital wicket in just the second over of the day when he was caught off Tanveer Sangha's bowling for 109, having added just two runs to his overnight total.
Harry Nielsen then looked key to the unlikely chase, but he went soon after for 63, caught off Chris Tremain to leave his side 7-241.
Nathan McAndrew (three) and Brendan Doggett (10) were next to go with the Redbacks 9-261, still needing 34 to lead.
Tail-ender Liam Scott dug in to make 30 before Hunt called the innings at 9-277.
Tremain (3-51) and Trent Copeland (3-58) were NSW's best bowlers.
NSW made 294 batting first largely thanks to stand-in skipper Jason Sangha, who scored 142 for his highest first-class score.
They made some early runs in their second dig through Blake Nikitaras (11 not out) and Ryan Hackney (three not out) to be 0-14 at the break.
With Western Australia closing in on victory against Victoria, it is near impossible the Blues can jump into the Shield top two before next Thursday's final even with an outright win and bonus points.
