Reigning champs net first win of season

The defending champion Gators notched its first win of the season, staving off a spirited challenge from Atami to win the Men’s Premier club basketball encounter 83-74 in the Celebration stadium, Pages Road on Saturday.

American bound Josh Petermann guided University of Canterbury to a narrow 84-79 win over Wolverines, making the play and slotting valuable 31 points and seven rebounds.

Wolverines started with great energy but tired as the game went on after having to play Taylor Britt (19) and Shou Nesbit (9) 40 mins in the morning for the U23’s.

The astute Varsity coach Piet Van Hasselt changed UC’s defence to a zone, knowing they couldn’t stop Wolverines’ man to man defence and Varsity could not stop Britt one on one.

Two of the three losses by Wolverines have come from teams playing lazy zones, so coach Jamie Graham has three weeks to get that sorted.

Pioneer had its work cut out to maintain its unbeaten record stemming a strong challenge from Lincoln University before winning 71-62.

Former Ram Marty Davison (16, five rebounds and three assists) was everywhere as he set Pioneer up for their win.

He had good support from Oli Davies (15) and the tall Mike Townsend, who returned home to Christchurch late last year, contributed 11 and seven rebounds.

LU coach James Lissaman was really proud his team’s fight in James Levings last game before heading overseas.The North Canterbury women’s premier basketball team rose to the top of the Patron’s trophy after a nail-biting fightback against the defending champion Lincoln University.

North Canterbury edged the students 58-57 with Canterbury Wildcat Ashlee Fane sinking the first of two crucial free throws with seconds remaining.

Pioneer, Gators and Halswell now share third place after Gators edged Pioneer 66-64.

Halswell downed Wolverines 78-26 and University of Canterbury recorded its first win, beating Minties 63-45.