Weeks, Coleman shine for Sharks

The National Basketball League finals-bound Southland Sharks thumped Taranaki 118-78 in New Plymouth last night.

Southland shot 58 per cent from the field (47/81) and were sparked by 25 points from Australian point guard Jarrad Weeks and another double-double from American swingman Orlando Coleman.

Coleman posted 23 points and 12 boards. Scottish international Conor Morgan added 18 points in the rout.

Tom Vodanovich was also effective for the Sharks with 16 points and seven rebounds.

Captain Alonzo Burton put up a valiant effort in the losing cause for Taranaki, producing one of his best performances of the season with 25 points on eight-of12 shooting.

Southland (13-4) conclude round play against Nelson tomorrow in Invercargill in a preview of their NBL semifinal.

Taranaki drop to 3-14 and conclude a disappointing season away to the Hawks today.

In last night’s other match, the Bay Hawks warmed up for next weekend’s Final Four with a convincing victory over the Canterbury Rams.

They overpowered Canterbury 85-76 in their season finale at Christchurch’s Cowles Stadium to lift their record to 11-6.

The Hawks, who will play the top-seeded Wellington Saints in next Saturday’s semifinals, were always in control against a Rams side who were eliminated from finals contention in the last round.

Canterbury, whose youthful side exceeded expectations this season, produced a poor first half, but battled back after halftime to add some respectability to the scoreline. Mark Dickel’s Rams finished fifth in the eight-team competition with a 8-10 mark.

Former Rams captain and Cashmere High product Ethan Rusbatch enjoyed a happy homecoming for the Hawks, scoring a game-high 23 points on nine of 18 shooting.

Australian centre Angus Brandt was a standout for the Hawks with a double-double of 14 points and 17 rebounds.