American importer Matthew Moyer and his Canterbury Rams teammates gave their loyal supporters something to cheer on Saturday night during the Southland Sharks’ 106-55 demolition.
While many soggy Cantabrians wringed their hands in frustration during the Big Wet, the Rams provided a welcome distraction when they broke up the Sharks at Cowles Stadium in Christchurch.
It was clear from the start that the Rams were in no mood to mess around. They led 26-8 after the first quarter, holding the Sharks at a very modest 2-for-16 from the field and forcing six turnovers.
Moyer scored 19 points and also swept the boards for 20 rebounds, while teammate Mike Karena scored 20 points.
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With the Rams leading 45-18 at halftime, it must have been difficult for even the most one-eyed Sharks supporters to see their team clearing up the mess. They weren’t wrong. Moyer already had a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds as he produced a big shift in the first half.
Despite a strong effort from the import guard Daishon Knight, the Sharks injure themselves by throwing rocks; they shot just 7-of-31 from the floor and 1-of-9 from the depths.
Even with the game firmly in hand, the Rams didn’t take their foot off the gas in the fourth quarter, beating the Sharks 27-16. The Rams made just eight turnovers in the game, an impressive effort given that they played at a fast pace and generally increased the chance of errors. They gave no less than 28 assists and bounced the Sharks back to the glass 57-32. Canterbury did little wrong in what was a vital win on their home floor. They head to Hawke’s Bay for a match that could decide who goes to Auckland for the Final 6 on August 10.
Brayden Inger was solid again for the Sharks despite the loss; he totaled 16 points and eight rebounds. The Sharks meet a desperate Bulls squad at home in Invercargill during their next encounter.
Meanwhile, on Friday night, the Taranaki Airs cleared an 18-point deficit by beating the Franklin Bulls 93-86 at the Franklin Pool & Leisure Centre.
The Bulls led 26-11 after the first quarter and took advantage of a lethargic start from the visitors. But they soon awoke from their sleep.
Once the Airs got through the zone defense, they looked more dangerous, although five straight runs to end the first half by Corey Webster gave the Bulls a 48-45 lead at the break. The Bulls had three double-digit players – Isaac Davidson, Corey Webster and Anzac Rissetto – a welcome sight for a team that has struggled to find consistent offensive production this season.
The Airs started strong in the third quarter with an 11-0 in the first three minutes. They were supposed to have a whopping 11-point lead in the quarter, but the Bulls got things sorted to stop the bleeding and stay within striking distance. Franklin was seven points behind heading into the fourth quarter, having led by a whopping 18 points earlier in the game.
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Anthony Hilliard scored 21 points for the Taranaki Airs in their 93-86 win over the Franklin Bulls.
Anthony Hilliard, Javonte Douglas, Marcel Jones and Shaun Willett of Taranaki all scored at least 20 points, but the contributions and commitment of Carlin Davison were also significant. He scored nine points in the game, but he had a huge impact on both sides of the floor with his pace of work.
The Bulls are heading out for their last two games of the season, and it will be quite a climb to get to the top six. They will have to beat both the Sharks and the Nuggets down the road to give themselves a chance, along with some other achievements falling their way.
The Airs are dating Giants at the top of what could be a top-tier game.
Meanwhile, the Hawke’s Bay Hawks defeated the Manawatū Jets 106-69 in Napier on Sunday night.
AT A GLANCE
NBL round 14
At Edgar Centre, Dunedin: Otago Nuggets 102 (Keith Williams 23, Billy Boyd 22) Southland sharks 87 (Brayden Inger 22). 1Q: 22-22, 2Q: 53-44, 3Q: 77-59.
At Franklin Pool & Leisure Centre: Taranaki Airs 93 (Shaun Willett 24, Anthony Hilliard 21) Franklin Bulls 86 (Anzac Rissetto 27, Corey Webster 24). 1Q: 11-26, 2Q: 45-48, 3Q: 69-62.
At Cowles Stadium, Christchurch: Canterbury Rams 106 (Michael Because 21, Matthew Moyer 19) Southland Sharks 55 (Brayden Inger 16). 1Q: 26-8, 2Q: 45-18, 3Q: 79-39.
At Pettigrew Green Arena, Napier: Hawke’s Bay 106 (Ethan Rusbatch 17, Jordan Hunt 17) Manawatu 69 (Shane Temara 18, John Bohannon 18).1Q: 23-14, 2Q: 44-31, 3Q: 72-49.
Position: Giants 12-4, Airs 11-6, Tuatara 10-7, Nuggets 9-8, Saints 8-8, Rams 8-9, Hawks 9-9, Bulls 7-9, Sharks 5-12, Jets 6-13.