RAMS ROUT HAWKS
The Canterbury Rams have maintained their great record at home easily dispatching the IMS Payroll Hawks 83-62.
Former Houston Rocket, Jermaine Taylor set the tone for the Rams scoring 11 of his 19 points in the opening quarter, giving his side a 21-9 lead at quarter break. The Rams would push their lead up to 23 at halftime, the Hawks meanwhile could not find the basket, only scoring 24 points. After the break the Rams started the quarter on a massive drought, finally scoring their first basket in six minutes from a Mickell Gladness field goal.
The Hawks did not take advantage of the opportunity and still trailed by 17 at the end of the third.
Canterbury would score the first six points of the final quarter, ending any miracle comeback for the visitors. The loss putting the Hawks under .500 with three wins and four losses. Richie Edwards scored a game high 25 and Gladness dominated the paint with 12 points, 15 rebounds and five blocks. The Rams also getting 12 boards from Marques Whippy as they outrebounded the Hawks 52-39.
Forward, Suleiman Braimoh was the only Hawks to score over double-digits with 25 points and ten rebounds. Collectively the Hawks shot 34% from the field and an inexcusable 10/23 from the foul line.
The Hawks will now travel to Invercargill to play the Zerofees Southland Sharks who have won three straight at home.
Canterbury now move to 6-5 and will have an extended break before they host the Hawks again on May 24.
Friday, May 15
Canterbury Rams 83
IMS Payroll Hawks 63