NZNBL 2014 Round 4: Overtime delight on ANZAC day, while worst beats first!
Round 4 of the NZNBL kicked off on Thursday April 24 and concluded Sunday April 27.
The Good Home Taranaki Mountainairs 71-69 Advice First Waikato Pistons
The Mountainairs have scored a win over the Pistons at home Thursday night after a very slow start. With just nine points in the opening quarter, it was in the second half when Taranaki started their run to just push past their opponents for victory.
Suleiman Brahmoh once again dominated for the home side with 29 points and 16 rebounds, as the Mountainairs import’s form is only set to improve.
For the visitors, Corin Henry led the way with 24 points, yet missed the crucial potential game winner at the conclusion of the game which was a sour finish to his excellent game.
OceanaGold Nuggets 97-91 (OT) IMS Payroll Hawks
Off the back of Brendon Polyblank and Warren Carter, the Nuggets held on for a six point win in OT.
With the game tied at the end of regulation, the Nuggets poured on 17 points in the extra period in what looked like the opposite of a normal overtime. With zero defence being played in the five minutes, 28 points were scored between the teams.
Polyblank scored a game high 25 points (with 8 rebounds and 5 assists), while Carter chipped in with 21 and 12 rebounds. Troy Payne also registered a double double with 16 points and 12 rebounds.
For the Hawks, Marco Alexander scored 20 off the bench, while Dustin Scott had 18 points and 10 rebounds.
Canterbury Rams 101-92 (OT) Breakers Manawatu Jets
Another thrilling OT game has seen the home side score the points with Canterbury showing the faith coming from behind the win the game.
With a minute remaining and the Rams down six, all looked lost, until Glen Dandridge stepped up to knock down back to back triples. His 37 points was the difference between the two teams, which included nine....NINE triples!
Paul Jones was the best for the Jets, with 28 points and 15 rebounds.
Advice First Waikato Pistons 95-59 James Blond Super City Rangers
A 36 point hiding at the hands of the Pistons have left the Super City Rangers stunned as they look elsewhere to find any sort of momentum.
Casey Frank was everywhere with a near perfect night, finishing with 22 points on 9-11FG shooting to go along with 10 rebounds and five assists. Teammates Akeem Wright (24 points) and Corin Henry (13 points, 9 assists) continued to expand the margin, as the game reached a 39 point lead at one point in the second half.
For the Rangers, Jason Cadee was of some help in his first game for the team, with 20 points at a high percentage. The rest of the team couldn’t find any rhythm and were left red faced leaving the Pistons arena.
Credit: Photo Credit: Monica Toretto - Southland Sharks photographer
Zerofees Southland Sharks 88-101 IMS Payroll Hawks
Another loss to the Southland Sharks has propelled the NZNBL into a seriously even league. Last year’s champs, now 2-3, were outplayed by a pure team compared to a couple of stars leading the way.
Every player that played more than four minutes scored double figures for the Hawks, which was a total of seven players. Dustin Scott (18 points, 8 rebounds) and Kareem Johnson (16 points, 10 rebounds) led the charge, while Marco Alexander chipped in with 16 off the pine.
Dave Gruber’s 9-9FG shooting wasn’t enough to combine with Kevin Braswell for 23 points each and the win, going down by double digits in the end after a poor third quarter.
Fico Finance Nelson Giants 93-87 Breakers Manawautu Jets
Without Alonzo Burton and Troy McClean, the Manawatu Jets have fallen just short of a huge win over the Nelson Giants.
Derone Raukawa stepped up to the starting line-up and scored a team high 21 points, while Jeremiah Trueman (10 points, 12 rebounds) secured another double double. Playing with just eight players, Arthur Trousdell was forced to play 37 minutes as three others capped up 30+ minutes.
The home side were led by Jamal Boykin (27 points, 9 rebounds, four assists) and Josh Pace (25 points, 10 rebounds) who were simply outstanding. While Josh Bloxham couldn’t quite get his shot to fall (0-5FG), he was still involved on offence grabbing four rebounds and dishing five assists.
Canterbury Rams 81-99 Fico Finance Nelson Giants
Big games from Jamal Boykin and Josh Pace once again this weekend have given the Giants a handy win over a good opponent.
28 points and 10 rebounds to Boykin, followed by 24 points to Pace allowed a strong double digit lead to blow out to the 18 point winning margin.
For the visitors, Glen Dandridge had 26 points and eight rebounds, while 18 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists to captain Jeremy Kench kept the Rams in the game for periods of the contest.
James Blond Super City Rangers 85-81 Pacific Jewellers Saints
More Jason Cadee magic on his debut weekend has kick started the Rangers season with their maiden victory over the most unlikely of opponents, the league leading Wellington Saints.
Cadee (30 points, 5 assists) led the charge as the Rangers showed no fatigue on the second night of a back to back, going 19-5 in the final quarter to seal a historic win!
Duane Bailey (16 points, 13 rebounds) and Patrich Bolstad (16 points, 9 rebounds) played their parts for the Rangers, while it was Corey Webster who led the Saints with 26 although needing 26 shots to get there. Lindsay Tait chimed in with 16 points and 10 assists.
For more information regarding the NZNBL, head to their website here.