29 points from former league MVP Lindsay Tait has propelled the James Blond Supercity Rangers to a 114-107 win over the Canterbury Rams.
Tait was helped by Cairns Taipan guard Mitch McCarron (28 points) and Brook Ruscoe (22 points) in a contest that was fast paced which favoured the Jeff Green coached Rangers who flourish in transition.
Rams allowed the Rangers to score far too easily and the game looked like it was heading for a blowout before their new import guard Jeremy Kendle led a fourth quarter comeback which cut a 17 point deficit to only five with still one minute left.
But the Rangers were able to withstand the run making it a repeat of last year’s semi-final.
Kendle looks like a far than able replacement for last year’s MVP McKenzie Moore, scoring 39 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Marcel Jones had 22, but him alongside guard Marcus Alipate fouled out which did not help the Rams who were without key starter Ethan Rusbatch (ankle)
The Rangers led by eight after the first half, but it was the third quarter which was key for the home side winning the period 32-24. In particular, the energy of bench player Hyrum Harris was crucial, ending the game with 17 points and +/- of plus 18.
Canterbury will have to quickly regroup tomorrow when they travel the Hawkes Bay to play the Taylor Hawks.
In Nelson, the Taranaki Mountainairs have given the Mike Pero Giants their second loss to start the season with 93-76 win.
Taranaki import Tylor Ongwae scored a game high 28 points and point guard Houston O’Riley tallied 17 points, five assists and five rebounds.
It was another tough loss for the Giants who came out firing in the first quarter with 31 points, but it was clear that fatigue had set in the second half as the home side managed only 28 points.
Nelson led 29-20 in first quarter and 47-38 during the second period, but ten points from Ongwae in the last four minutes propelled the Airs to take 54-48 lead at halftime.
Giants were not helped when guard Dion Prewster had three fouls in the first eight minutes and then committing his fourth early in the third, eventually only playing 10 minutes in total.
Finn Delany shouldered the burden with 40 minutes, scoring a team high 26 points, 19 of which came in the first half. Curtis Washing had 16 and Bronson Beri added 11 off the bench.
It was an ideal start for returning coach Trent Adams, who came into the game with three new starters, including shooting guard Alonzo Burton who scored 14.
The Airs’ other import Daniel Gomis was the only starter not to score over double digits, but did grab 16 rebounds.
Saturday, 18 March
At Trusts Arena, Waitakere
James Blond Supercity Rangers 114 (Lindsay Tait 29, Mitch McCarron 28, Brook Ruscoe 22)
Canterbury Rams 107 (Jeremy Kendle 29, Marcel Jones 22, Will Neighbour 14)
At Trafalgar Centre, Nelson
Mike Pero Nelson Giants 76 (Finn Delany 26, Curtis Washington 16, Bronson Beri 11)
Taranaki Mountainairs 93 (Tylor Ongwae 28, Houston O’Riley 17, Alonzo Burton 14)