Sharks meet their match in Rams in home fortress loss

SOUTHLAND Sharks coach Judd Flavell wanted a test, but he got more than he bargained for last night at ILT Stadium Southland in Invercargill.

After five straight wins in the National Basketball League the Sharks met their match in the form of a Canterbury Rams team who look very much like a playoff team this season.

The Sharks led by one after the first quarter at 1918 and at halftime trailed by just two.

It was the third quarter when the Sharks’ night fell flat and the Rams, who were coming off a loss to Nelson just 24 hours earlier, dealt the killer blow.

Canterbury put up 25 thirdquarter points and let in just 14 to head into the final period with a 6956 lead.

The Sharks won the final quarter 2120 but it counted for little as they went down 8977.

James Hunter and Connor Morgan both posted doubledoubles in the in the loss.

Orlando Coleman also contributed a gamehigh 13 rebounds.

The Sharks will be disappointed to lose at their Invercargill fortress, although they have Alex Pledger up their sleeve after he missed last night’s game with an ankle injury.

It will not get any easier for the Sharks as they now eye competition favourites the Wellington Saints in Invercargill on Friday.

The buildup will be a messy one considering Derone Raukawa and Rueben Te Rangi will both be away from Monday to Thursday as part of a Tall Blacks camp.