Round 10 of the NZNBL took place between Friday June 6 2014 and Sunday June 8 2014. The games were as follows:

The Good Home Mountainairs 76-74 Pacific Jewellers Saints

In yet another surprise in the Wellington Saints rollercoaster season, the Taranaki Mountainairs have stolen a victory in a game where the Saints really shouldn’t have lost.

After cruising for the first three quarters, it was the efficient shooting of both Aaron Bailey-Nowell (21 points, 6 rebounds, 7-9FG) and Derek Albertsen (18 points, 7-10FG) which steered the momentum in the ‘Airs favour. The home side romped home off the back of Suleiman Braimoh’s 19 points and 12 rebounds to register a big win for the club.

For the star studded Saints, many questions are now starting to be asked, such as Shane Heal’s choice of imports. Lindsay Tait led the team in scoring at 17, while Bryan Davis (13 points, 13 rebounds) recorded a double double.

OceanaGold Nuggets 75-88 Breakers Manawatu Jets

The second upset of Friday night saw the Jets record a convincing double digit victory over the mid-table Nuggets.

With a powerful third quarter to put the visiting side in the driver’s seat, the Jets were well spread and certainly helped by their impressive 49 rebounds. Allowing their opponents no let up on the offensive end, Arthur Trousdell (18 points, 13 rebounds), Nick Horvath (14 points, 11 rebounds) and Phill Jones (13 points, 10 rebounds) all recorded double digit rebounds.

The Nuggets struggles from the field was evident, with just two players scoring in double figures: Brandon Bowdry (20 points, 11 rebounds) and Brendon Polyblank (19 points).

Fico Finance Giants 74-87 Advice First Pistons

Waikato has rolled on with a substantial last quarter performance after an extremely slow start by both teams to take a double digit victory over the Nelson Giants.

As the two teams combined for just 24 points in the opening quarter, Waikato dropped 31 points in the final ten minutes to steer the ship. The team was led by Zac Carter (29 points, 9 rebounds), Corin Henry (21 points, 6 rebounds) and Akeem Wright (20 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists).

With the extreme differential in the free throw count, Waikato doubling Nelson’s attempts, the Giants were never able to catch up down the stretch. Jamal Boykin was impressive with 24 points and eight rebounds, while Brook Ruscoe was very efficient with 17 points on 7-9FG. Mika Vukona returned from Lebanon and struggled in his first game back, with five points on 2-8FG with five turnovers.

James Blond Supercity Rangers 90-105 IMS Payroll Hawks

A brilliant third period has seen the top of the table Hawke’s Bay demolish the once red-hot Supercity Rangers.

Behind Everard Bartlett (20 points, 10 assists, 6 rebounds), Dustin Scott (21 points, 10 rebounds) and Kareem Johnson (24 points, 6 rebounds), the trio dominated the game to put the Hawks even further clear on top and to solidify themselves as one of the title favourites.

Jason Cadee continued his form with 25 points and six assists, while Duane Bailey’s (24 points, 10 rebounds) double double was one of the very small wins for the Rangers on the night. Don’t count the team out just yet though; a strong performance against the leaders should give the roster confidence moving forward.

Zerofees Sharks 91-83 Breakers Manawatu Jets

The Sharks are back after signing some backups to fill in for their average off-court players who clearly could fill the ‘role players’ void.

Credit: Photo Credit: Monica Toretto - Southland Sharks photographer

Kevin Braswell was at it again with 27 points in shot jack mode (28 shots), and eight rebounds, while Luke Martin (20 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists) and Brian Conklin (10 points, 15 rebounds) chipped in as well.

Nick Horvath was clearly there to play on Saturday night, giving his team all forty minutes to finish with 24 points and 19 rebounds as well as three big blocks. Brandon Jenkins was the other forty minute player for the Jets who only played with eight players for the game, finished with 21 points, six rebounds and eight assists.

Canterbury Rams 99-84 Advice First Pistons

The Canterbury Rams have taken advantage of their stinging defence during the first three quarters to jump on the tired looking Waikato Pistons on a back to back to grab a much needed victory.

With just 43 points in three quarters, the Pistons managed to avoid embarrassment with a 41 point fourth quarter to only go down by 15, however signs for the future don’t look brilliant with some glaring holes in their game.

Richie Edwards led the Rams from the bench with 31 points and seven rebounds, while Marcel Jones helped out with 28 points of his own to go along with nine rebounds and five assists. Glen Dandridge only took six shots, however he made five of them to add 15 points and eight rebounds in the win.

With a lack of bench production, the Pistons were forced to play their starters who had logged heavy minutes against the Giants. Akeem Wright nabbed a double double with 25 points and 10 rebounds, while Corin Henry registered a near triple double with 23 points, eight rebounds and eight assists.

OceanaGold Nuggets 75-88 Breakers Manawatu Jets

Manawatu grab a much needed win against an ordinary Nuggets squad on the weekend in what was a scrappy sort of contest.

Three Jets players recorded double doubles, in Arthur Trousdell (18 points, 13 rebounds), Nick Horvath (14 points, 11 rebounds) and Phill Jones (13 points, 10 rebounds). Despite putrid shooting from beyond the arc (Jones 0-6, McLean 3-10, Burton 0-2), Manawatu were able to execute from inside the paint and get it done down low.

Brandon Bowdry (20 points, 11 rebounds) and Brendon Polyblank (19 points) led the way for the Nuggets who desperately need a consistent attacking scorer, as the team continues to struggle to score big points night in, night out.

For more information regarding the NZNBL, please visit their website, here.

NZNBL 2014 Round 10: Saints stumble again…

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