The Wellington Saints have got their southern road trip off to a good start with a 94-85 win over the Canterbury Rams. It was another collective effort from the defending champions, led by Tai Wesley who had a double-double of 23 points and 14 rebounds and Corey Webster who tallied 25 points, eight assists and six rebounds.
Wellington got off to a hot start outscoring the home side 28-18 in the opening period, but three straight three’s from Marcus Alipate helped put the Rams within distance. Canterbury got to within five in the second period, but Wellington would manage to push their lead up to 12 at halftime.
After the break the Rams had moments where they might make a run, but every time the home side got to within striking distance Wellington were able to reply and push their lead back up in the double-digits.
After averaging 35 in his first two games, Rams point guard Jeremy Kendle was unable to find a rhythm tonight as his counterpart Shea Ili made it tough for him. Kendle ended the game with 10 points on 4/13 shooting. Ili was good on both ends tonight tallying 14 points, seven rebounds and five assists.
Alipate top scored for the Rams with 19 points off the bench, Marcel Jones and Ethan Rusbatch both added 16, and forward Marques Whippy bruised his way 10 points and eight rebounds. Canterbury now drop to 1-2 but have a chance to move back up to .500 when they travel to Nelson to play the Mike Pero Giants on Saturday night.
Wellington meanwhile will have the tough task of playing the Zerofees Sharks tomorrow night in rematch of last year’s semi-final in Invercargill.
Tomorrow the streamed game will feature the Taranaki Mountainairs as they host the James Blond Supercity Rangers, both teams beginning their season with a win.
Thursday, March 23
At Cowles Stadium, Christchurch
Canterbury Rams 85 (Marcus Alipate 19, Ethan Rusbatch 16, Marcel Jones 16)
Wellington Saints 94 (Corey Webster 25, Tai Wesley 23, Josh Duinker 17)