NZNBL 2014 Round 13: Sharks lose momentum heading into Final Four
Round 13 of the NZNBL took place between Friday the 27th of June 2014 and Sunday the 29th of June 2014. The following games took place:
Pacific Jewellers Saints 98-79 The Good Home Mountainairs
The Wellington Saint shored up second place on the NZNBL ladder with a convincing win over one of the leagues strugglers.
For the Saints, Bryan Davis (18 points, 12 rebounds) registered one of the team’s two double doubles, with Lindsay Tait (11 points, 10 assists) occupying the other. Brandon Bowman was stellar in his all round performance with 19 points, six rebounds, nine assists, three steals.
Suleiman Braimoh was once again a one man show for the visitors, dropping 40 points while grabbing 12 rebounds. Brad Anderson on the other hand couldn’t get it going at all, managing just six points on 1-11 shooting from the field plus his six turnovers which presented a nightmare for Taranaki, turning the ball over 21 times to Wellington’s 10.
Fico Finance Giants 101-89 Zerofees Sharks
In a game that ultimately decided third and fourth, the Nelson Giants maintained their composure in front of their home fans to dispatch the Southland Sharks by double digits.
Jamal Boykin (29 points), Josh Pace (23 points, 9 rebounds) and Phill Jones (21 points) controlled the scoring, while Mika Vukona (4 points, 12 rebounds) was handy in limited minutes.
For the Sharks, Brian Conklin led the load with 23 points and six rebounds, while Tai Wesley continues his strong run of form with 16 points and six rebounds. Kevin Braswell chimed in with 15 points and five assists.
Credit: Photo Credit: Monica Toretto - Southland Sharks photographer
Breakers Manawatu Jets 106-97 OceanaGold Nuggets
Off the back of a strong final quarter, the Manawatu Jets have stormed to a frantic win in front of their home fans thanks to some interesting line-ups.
Nick Horvath came off the bench on Friday night and was efficient, executing on all four of his field goal attempts to finish with 14 points and 13 rebounds. Alonzo Burton provided the one-two punch off the bench with 19 points, five assists and three steals which certainly helped the Jets on their way. Captain Jeremiah Trueman showed his efforts on the glass as well registering 10 points and 15 rebounds (9 offensive).
Otago were led by three of their key players in Brandon Bowdry (23 points, 13 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals), Warren Carter (25 points, 11 rebounds) and Tony Tolovae (22 points, 7 rebounds). Apart from those three it was only Sam King (14 points, 7 rebounds) who showed anything with the rest of the team disappointing, resulting in being overpowered by a better side.
IMS Payroll Hawks 98-87 OceanaGold Nuggets
The Hawke’s Bay Hawks have finished the regular season on a high with a commanding victory over the Otago Nuggets.
In notching up win number 15, the Hawks used a variety of players to prepare for their finals encounters ahead as Kareem Johnson was best shooting 8-9 from the field to finish with 19 points and seven rebounds. Teammates Dustin Scott and Jarrod Kenny both finished with double doubles with Scott recording 13 points and 15 rebounds, while Kenny scored 11 points and had 12 dimes.
As the Nuggets bowed out for another season, the duo of Brandon Bowdry (23 points, 11 rebounds) and Sam King (21 points, 11 rebounds) showed fight, with the pair combining for 44 points. Micah Lepaio had an all round performance with 17 points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals.
Canterbury Rams 90-87 Zerofees Sharks
In what was a surprise result, the Canterbury Rams have edged their way off the bottom of the NZNBL ladder with a three point win over Final Four opponent the Southland Sharks.
A strong defensive display in the second quarter saw the Rams only give up 14 points, which ultimately set up the victory. While their shooting touch wasn’t fully on display as a team, Marcel Jones (22 points, 11 rebounds), Ethan Rusbatch (19 points, 10 rebounds) and Richie Edwards (20 points) certainly were in the right mood on the night.
For the Sharks it was a totally different line up with Kevin Braswell absent for the night. With minutes well spread to keep the team injury free for the finals, Dan Peck slotted in and scored 18 points, while super efficient Brian Conklin (11 points, 10 assists) recorded a double double.
Advice First Pistons 82-83 Pacific Jewellers Saints
The Wellington Saints have avoided a final defeat as they scrape past the Waikato Pistons to end the season. Despite a big final quarter, the Pistons were just a point shy as Mauriohooho-Le’afa’s shot with 24 seconds to go was the difference.
Brandon Bowman led a small Saints outfit with 20 points, eight rebounds and five assists, while BJ Anthony chipped in with 12 points and seven rebounds.
For the Pistons, Akeem Wright was very impressive with 26 points, while Casey Frank had a near triple double with 13 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists.
James Blond Supercity Rangers 76-112 Breakers Manawatu Jets
In what was a very sour way to end the regular season for the year, the Manawatu Jets have embarrassed the Rangers by 36 points.
Scorers aplenty for the Jets as Paul Jones (26 points, 8 rebounds), Troy McLean (24 points) and Nick Horvath (22 points, 14 rebounds) all contributed to the cause. Brandon Jenkins was their main supplier with 13 points and 11 assists.
The Rangers were not saved this time by Jason Cadee, who only managed 19 points on 30% from the field. Dylan Boucher did a little bit of everything as he does, with 5 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists despite six turnovers.
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