NZNBL 2014 Round 8: Phill Jones’ record breaking game ends in style for Giants
Round 8 of the NZNBL commenced on Thursday the 22nd of May 2014 and concluded on Sunday the 25th of May 2014.
Advice First Pistons 66-82 Zerofees Southland Sharks
In what was a topsy-turvy start to the contest, a heavily one-sided second quarter proved all the difference as the Southland Sharks destroyed their opponents at both ends of the floor in the second stanza. A 30 to 9 quarter paved the way for the Sharks to cruise to an easy victory.
While the two teams had a plethora of turnovers (Pistons 25, Sharks 21), the difference was shooting the basketball, with Southland going at nearly 50% for the game which was far better than Waikato’s 39%.
Reuben Te Rangi had 28 points for the visitors while Brian Conklin was second best with 20 points and eight rebounds. The Pistons were led by Corin Henry (24 points, 6 rebounds), while Akeem Wright (11 points, 6 rebounds) was the only other player in double digits.
Pacific Jewellers Saints 111-114 James Blond Supercity Rangers
The Supercity Rangers have knocked off the Wellington Saints for the second time this season off the back of an offensive explosion from both teams, in particular, the growing emergence of Jason Cadee.
Cadee erupted for 36 points to go along with four rebounds and five assists, to lead his team to the three point victory. Behind him were Duane Bailey (28 points, 9 rebounds) and Daryl Corletto (18 points, 6 assists) to hold the fort. Dylan Boucher was showed his trade with another great performance off the bench with seven points, nine rebounds and five assists.
With another disappointing home performance, the Saints fought hard all night thanks to Corey Webster (31 points), Lindsay Tait (23 points, 8 assists) and Brandon Bowman (23 points, 8 rebounds) however it just wasn’t enough to stop the Rangers who are the up and coming team of the comp.
Breakers Manawatu Jets 82-91 Fico Finance Giants
The Nelson Giants have given hero Phill Jones the best possible result for his record breaking 362nd game with a nine point victory against the Manawatu Jets.
Jones played 31 minutes for 11 points and five assists, while it was Jamal Boykin who did all the damage with 35 points and 11 rebounds. Josh Pace continued his hot form with another 20 point game to go along with nine rebounds.
For the home side, Nick Horvath played his first game for the season and didn’t disappoint with 14 points and 17 rebounds off the bench. Import Paul Jones led the team with 30 points while fellow American Brandon Jenkins tallied 12 points and nine rebounds in the loss.
The Good Home Mountainairs 81-83 Zerofees Southland Sharks
Off the back of a staggering final period, the Southland Sharks have escaped with an amazing two point win thanks to a 35-11 fourth quarter.
Credit: Photo Credit: Monica Toretto - Southland Sharks photographer
Down 22 at the end of three, all looked lost for the Sharks and the ‘Airs were primed to score a major upset victory. Not one Shark player gave up until it was all over, as Brian Conklin (25 points, 8 rebounds) and co. led a historic comeback to score a two point victory.
Despite taking 20 shots to get there, captain Kevin Braswell scored 17 points on a rough night for the star, while Leon Henry registered 15 points and nine rebounds off the bench in limited minutes.
For the first three quarters, both ‘Airs imports were dominant, with Suleiman Braimoh (27 points, 9 rebounds) and Adrian Oliver (21 points, 8 rebounds) however fell apart when the team needed them.
OceanaGold Nuggets 73-89 Pacific Jewellers Saints
The Wellington Saints have put out a strong sign to the competition with a clinic against the Otago Nuggets, fighting off any negativity that may have swung their way throughout the last fortnight.
With three dominant quarters to open the game, it was Corey Webster (23 points) and Brandon Bowman (23 points, 7 rebounds) who led the way for a hot shooting Saints outfit (53%FG).
The home side had good use out of their starters- Dickel (15 points), Polyblank (19 points), Bowdry (17 points), Carter (17 points), however it was their bench that really let them down only getting five points total from their reserves. Mark Dickel nearly recorded a triple double with his outstanding game (15 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists, 4 steals).
Advice First Pistons 88-69 Fico Finance Giants
The Waikato Pistons have bounced back from a disappointing Thursday night loss to edge out Nelson by a convincing margin by the games end.
Corin Henry played all forty minutes for 28 points, six rebounds and nine assists, while Akeem Wright (22 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists) and sharpshooting Casey Frank (17 points, 8 rebounds) helped out during key stretches.
Nelson’s big two in Jamal Boykin (18 points, 7 rebounds) and Josh Pace (17 points, 5 rebounds) were the only two that looked damaging, despite fading at promising times.
The win gives the Pistons hope of jumping into the top four in the near future, while the Giants lose yet another step of trying to take down Hawke’s Bay from the top of the perch.
Canterbury Rams 81-106 James Blond Supercity Rangers
The Rangers have scored another victory, this time over the slumping Canterbury Rams.
The night once again belonged to Jason Cadee who has turned the NZNBL on its head since his arrival, proving to be one of the legitimate players in the game. Cadee was on song with 33 points, six rebounds and four assists, while teammates Daryl Corletto (22 points, 5 rebounds) and Duane Bailey (19 points, 9 rebounds) finished off the job.
Dynamic yet unorthodox duo in Marcel Jones (22 points, 5 rebounds) and Richie Edwards (20 points, 6 rebounds) gave the Rams some sort of improvement from the weeks past, however their first half woes continued.
For more information regarding the NZNBL, head to their website, here.