The Canterbury Rams have cruised to a 114-80 win over the struggling Mike Pero Nelson Giants.
49 combined points from Jeremy Kendle and Marcel Jones helped guide Canterbury who shot 58% from the field and 50% from the three-point line.
The Giants scored the opening bucket but from there on it would be all Canterbury as they scored the next thirteen points and win the opening period 28-15.
The visitors would extend their lead to 22 in the second period but Nelson were able to score the last five points to trail by 17 at the half. Canterbury would not allow any Giants comeback in the second half outscoring the home-side 57-40.
It is the second time this season that Nelson has lost by 30 plus and now they slump to 0-3 this season which is the worst start for the franchise since 2011.
Again, the issue for the Giants was defense as the 114 allowed is the most since 2008, eclipsing the previous most of 113 scored by the Manawatu Jets.
Both Finn Delany and Curtis Washington scored 15, and Dion Prewster had is best offensive game of the season with 13.
Canterbury move to 2-2 and will next play on Friday night at home against the James Blond Supercity Rangers (2-0) who defeated them in the opening round. Nelson will have another tough game next Thrusday when they play at home to the SIT Zerofees Sharks.
Tomorrow, Round Two will conclude when the Taylor Hawks try to end their 22-game losing streak against the Taranaki Mountainairs who are coming off a loss to the Rangers on Friday. The game will be live streamed on NZ Herald and live on Maori TV.
Saturday, March 17
At Trafalgar Centre, Nelson
Mike Pero Nelson Giants 80 (Finn Delany 15, Curtis Washington 15, Dion Prewster 13)
Canterbury Rams 114 (Marcel Jones 25, Jeremy Kendle 23, Marcus Alipate 15)