Sharks score crucial win over Canterbury
The Southland Sharks enhanced their reputation as the National Basketball League’s second best team, while the Canterbury Rams look a long way off title threats.
Southland made it two victories over the Rams within nine days, winning 93-79 at Christchurch’s Cowles Stadium on Sunday.
The victory improves the Sharks’ record to 9-3 and solidifies second spot on the ladder behind titles favourites, the unbeaten Wellington Saints.
Canterbury were 1-5 against top four sides heading into the contest and again failed to deliver on their promise. They were desperate to produce a statement victory, but were outrebounded and outplayed by Judd Flavell’s hungry Sharks.
The Rams drop to 6-7 and should still make the top four, but languish some way behind the Saints and Sharks at this late stage in the regular season.
Southland bashed the Rams on the boards 52-38 with Tall Black Alex Pledger and Australian big man Nick Kay pulling down 23 rebounds between them.
Canterbury landed just 33/77 [43 per cent] from the field with Southland restricting them to 7/23 [30 per cent] from three point range.
It was a balanced scoring display from the Sharks, who did an excellent job of sharing the basketball.
Sharpshooter Luke Aston topscored for Southland with 20 points and was deadly from deep, hitting 5/11. He was ably assisted by Reuben Te Rangi, who was busy with 17 points and nine rebounds, while Australian guard Mitch Norton had a standout showing with 15 points and eight assists.
Marcel Jones paced the Rams with 27 points and 10 rebounds. His team-mates were largely kept quiet, apart from reserve Gareth Dawson, who produced plenty of energy off the bench with 10 points.
American point guard Jeremy Kendle exploded for 12 points in the first quarter, but only had a further two for the game.
Reigning NBL MVP McKenzie Moore was underwhelming in his first game at home for the Rams since rejoining the team. American Moore, a mid-season signing, shot just 4/14, while registering nine points.
Meanwhile, the defending champion Canterbury Wildcats continued their unbeaten start to the women’s basketball championship (WBC). After winning all six outings at the opening WBC tournament in Auckland last weekend, Canterbury eased past the Capital Swish 76-55 in the earlier game at Cowles.
Connie Poletti shone for the Wildcats with a double-double of 13 points and 13 rebounds, while American centre Ashley Gayle contributed 13 points and nine boards. Canterbury outrebounded Capital by a mammoth 63-28 margin.