Jets blast Huskies away

THE Manawatu Jets recorded their first win in the Sal’s NBL Showdown, dismantling the Auckland Huskies 95-67 in Auckland last night.

It was a night to remember for Tall Blacks forward Tom Vodanovich, who scored 38 points and knocked down a career-high 10 three-pointers at a stunning 71 per cent (10/14).

Hyrum Harris was also impressive hauling in 21 rebounds, while adding 13 points, six assists and four steals.

The Jets’ supporting cast could also take a bow, with Jayden Bezzant (17 points and five assists), Haize Walker (11 points) and Taane Samuels (seven points and four rebounds) shining. Taine Murray was the best for a disappointing

Huskies outfit with 16 points.

In the opening exchanges, Vodanovich showed a glimpse of what was to come as he knocked down his first four shots as the Jets forged a 16-8 lead, extended to 23-13 at quarter-time. One startling fact from the quarter was that Harris corralled nine rebounds in nine minutes.

The warning lights were flashing for the Huskies when the Jets scored the first nine points of the second stanza, with Walker doing most of the damage.

The Jets’ lead ballooned to over 20 points midway through the second period and they were 54-21 ahead at the interval.

The halftime stats highlighted a stark contrast in the shooting form of the two teams. The Jets were a turbocharged 60 per cent (22/37) from the field, while in comparison, the Huskies were a chilly 25 per cent (8/32).

Things improved marginally for the Huskies in the third, but the game was over as a contest at the final break – the Jets ahead 73-44.

● In the late game, the Canterbury Rams went to 3-0 by handing the Taranaki Airs their first loss, 112-101.

Taylor Britt starred for the Rams, scoring 32 points while adding 10 rebounds and nine assists, as they eased past the now 2-1 Airs.

The captain was well supported by Sam Smith, who scored 23 points for the Rams, who look like genuine title contenders early in the NBL.