NZNBL 2014 Round 2: Nelson slip by Canterbury while Nuggets stay undefeated
NZNBL Round 2 kicked off Friday 11 April 2014 and concluded on Sunday 13 April 2014
Credit: Photo Credit: Monica Toretto - Southland Sharks photographer
Southland Sharks 117-88 Super City Rangers
Southland has bounced back from a disappointing opening round to cruise to a 29 point victory over the Rangers.
Kevin Braswell was electric for the hosts, scoring a game high 30 points including five triples, while Reuben Te Rangi chipped in with 27 of his own.
Darryl Corletto (21 points) was a bright spot for the Rangers, in what was an all round average performance from the visitors, which included a spot where they were down by as much as 35 early in the final term.
Dave Gruber, who has been signed as the latest injury replacement for the Sharks, due to Brian Conklin’s early hamstring injury, fitted in nicely with 11 points and eight rebounds in his first game.
Otago Nuggets 92-82 Super City Rangers
The Otago Nuggets controlled most of the contest throughout the game winning every quarter on their way to a ten point home victory.
Double doubles to Troy Payne (20 points, 12 rebounds), Warren Carter (17 points, 12 rebounds) and Brendon Polyblank (16 points, 11 rebounds) defined the Nuggets efforts on the glass, providing a huge advantage during the match. Mark Dickel chipped in with his own double double, providing 12 dimes to go along with 16 points.
For the visitors, Eric Devendorf was the only danger, scoring a game high 24 points plus six assists and three steals.
Hawke’s Bay Hawks 88-80 Taranaki Mountainairs
In a dominant second half display, the Hawks have come from eight down to stifle the Mountainairs and punish them in the final quarter, allowing Taranaki just 10 points.
Kareem Johnson (22 points, 9 rebounds) and Everard Bartlett (19 points) led the way for the home side, while Dustin Scott chipped in with eight points and 10 rebounds.
The visitors shot 2-15 from beyond the arc, which made it difficult for any sort of quick comeback in the last term, while import Adrian Oliver was limited to 18 points on 36% shooting. Fortunately, Suleiman Braimoh (17 points) and Brad Anderson (16 points) were able to keep the scoreboard ticking despite Oliver’s stuggles.
Nelson Giants 77-76 Canterbury Rams
Josh Pace’s late heroics have landed a crucial win for the Hawks over the Canterbury Rams.
Pace scored 21 points and had nine rebounds including the final three points of the game to secure the one point victory. He was helped out by teammates Jamal Boykin (19 points) and Mika Vukona (13 points, 10 rebounds), where Vukona finally managed to find his feet again in the NZNBL after a tough ANBL season with the Breakers.
For the Rams, Matt Rogers has 22 points, seven rebounds and three blocks, while Glen Dandridge scored 17.
Waikato Pistons 84-62 Taranaki Mountainairs
With convincing performances from Akeem Wright and Corin Henry, the Pistons were able to easily dispose of the fatigued Taranaki Mountainairs in their second game of the weekend.
Wright and Henry both scored 18 points apiece, as the team overcame a slow start to finish with a strong 52-32 second half show.
Casey Frank was handy for the home side with nine points, nine rebounds and six assists in his very efficient outing, while bench performances by Karl Noyer (10 points) and Alex Talma (10 points) secured the victory.
For the visitors Adrian Oliver struggled from the field again to grind through for 16 points, while Suleiman Braimoh continues to show his presence as second fiddle with another double double (13 points, 11 rebounds).
For more information on the NZNBL, head to the official website here