NBL Round 4: Huskies hand first loss to Hawks

The fans could enjoy quite many interesting games in the last round. The round ended with loss of the undefeated team, favorites losing the games, games ending by tiny margin and even winless team recording their first victory. Here is the last round review presented by ESL.

The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of Hawks (4-1) in Auckland on Friday night. Visitors were rolled over by third ranked Huskies (4-2) 92-71. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Hawks. Worth to mention a great performance of American power forward Chris Johnson (210-85, college: LSU) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 23 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists. The former international guard Brook Ruscoe-Taiaroa (189-90) contributed with 19 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Huskies' coach Aaron Young felt very confident that he used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. International forward Hyrum Harris (198-96, college: Umpqua CC) replied with a double-double by scoring 23 points and 10 rebounds for Hawks. Huskies maintains third position with 4-2 record behind leader Saints. Hawks at the other side keep the second place with one game lost. Huskies are looking forward to face Nuggets (#5) in Dunedin in the next round. Hawks will play on the road against Rams in Christchurch and are hoping to win this game.
Important game to mention about took place in New Plymouth. Second ranked Hawks (4-1) saved a 3-point victory on the road edging 9th ranked Mountain Airs (1-5) 90-87 on Thursday evening. Guest team only slightly avoided a big embarassment. Worth to mention a great performance of international swingman Ethan Rusbatch (196-92, college: Lincoln Trail) who helped to win the game recording 33 points (!!!) and 5 rebounds and Jonathan Janssen who added 19 points and 10 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side naturalized American forward Marcel Jones (203-85, college: Oregon St.) responded with a double-double by scoring 30 points, 14 rebounds and 6 assists. Hawks have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 4-1 record behind leader Saints. Mountain Airs at the other side dropped to the bottom place with five games lost. They share the position with Jets. Hawks will play against Rams (#6) in Christchurch in the next round. Mountain Airs will play at home against Sharks (#4) to get more than just one victory in their record.
A very close game took place in Dunedin between Giants and Nuggets. Seventh ranked Giants (3-5) got a very close victory on the road over 4th ranked Nuggets (3-3). Giants managed to escape with a 3-point win 89-86 on Saturday evening. The winners were led by Hunter Hale who scored that evening 41 points (!!!) and 9 rebounds. Even a double-double of 18 points, 14 rebounds and 8 assists by Samuel Timmins did not help to save the game for Nuggets. Despite that victory Giants went down to eighth position due to points difference. Defending champion Nuggets dropped to the fifth place with three games lost. They share the position with Rams. Giants will meet at home league's second-placed Hawks in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Nuggets will play against Huskies in Auckland and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
A very interesting game took place in Christchurch. It ended with only three-point defeat on the road of 5th ranked Bulls (3-4) to seventh ranked Rams (3-3) 89-86 on Saturday evening. American players dominated the game. Deshon Taylor fired 35 points (!!!), 7 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Rams' coach Mick Downer allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. Rams moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Nuggets. Bulls at the other side dropped to the seventh position with four games lost. Rams' next round opponent will be league's second-placed Hawks in Tamatea and it may be quite challenging game. Bulls will play at home against Nuggets (#5) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Jets' fans can celebrate the first win of their team after five consecutive losses. They used home court advantage to defeat Mountain Airs (1-5) 85-77 on Sunday. It was a very good performance for Daishon Knight who helped to win the game recording 20 points and 4 assists. Jets left bottom position moving up to ninth place, which they share with Mountainairs. Jets will face higher ranked Sharks (#4) in Southland in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Mountain Airs will play at home against Sharks (#4) and hope to win that game.

Other games in round 4 were not that significant. Rams were beaten by Giants on the road 91-79. Saints destroyed Bulls on its own court 111-82. Giants unfortunately lost to Sharks in Southland 92-101.

Giants - Rams 91-79

There was a small surprise when seventh ranked Giants (3-5) beat their close opponent Rams (3-3) in Stoke 91-79 on Thursday. Giants dominated down low during the game scoring 62 of its points in the paint compared to Rams' 38. American players dominated also this game. It was a very good performance for guard Hunter Hale (192-97, college: Winthrop) who helped to win the game recording 37 points (!!!), 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 6 steals. Swingman Donte Ingram (199-96, college: Loyola, IL) contributed with 19 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Forward EJ Singler (198-90, college: Oregon) replied with a double-double by scoring 18 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists and guard Deshon Taylor (188-96, college: Fresno St.) added 19 points and 5 rebounds (made all of his seven free throws) in the effort for Rams. Rams' coach Mick Downer rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Despite that victory Giants went down to eighth position due to points difference. Loser Rams dropped to the fifth place with three games lost. Giants will face league's second-placed Hawks in Tamatea in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Rams will play at home against the league's second-placed Hawks having rather not much hope for a victory.
Top scorers:
Giants: H.Hale 37+6reb+4ast, D.Ingram 19+8reb+4ast, T.Ingham 15+3reb+2ast, N.Trathen 7+1reb, S.Dempster 5+9reb+2ast, A.Rissetto 4+2reb+1ast
Rams: D.Taylor 19+5reb+3ast, E.Singler 18+11reb+5ast, A.Talma 14+8reb, S.Smith 7+1reb+3ast, B.Constable 6+4reb, Q.Bailey 5+3reb+2ast

Mountainairs - Hawks 87-90

Important game to mention about took place in New Plymouth. Second ranked Hawks (4-1) saved a 3-point victory on the road edging 9th ranked Mountain Airs (1-5) 90-87 on Thursday evening. Guest team only slightly avoided a big embarassment. Worth to mention a great performance of international swingman Ethan Rusbatch (196-92, college: Lincoln Trail) who helped to win the game recording 33 points (!!!) and 5 rebounds and international forward Jonathan Janssen (205-95, college: HPU) who added 19 points and 10 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side naturalized American forward Marcel Jones (203-85, college: Oregon St.) responded with a double-double by scoring 30 points, 14 rebounds and 6 assists and the former international power forward Tai Wynyard (208-98, college: Kentucky) scored 13 points and 5 rebounds. Hawks have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 4-1 record behind leader Saints. Mountain Airs at the other side dropped to the bottom place with five games lost. They share the position with Jets. Hawks will play against Rams (#6) in Christchurch in the next round. Mountain Airs will play at home against Sharks (#4) to get more than just one victory in their record.
Top scorers:
Hawks: E.Rusbatch 33+5reb+1ast, J.Janssen 19+10reb+1ast, D.Raukawa 10+7ast, H.Harris 8+7reb+5ast, E.Bartlett 7+3reb+4ast, M.Jacob 6+1reb
Mountainairs: M.Jones 30+14reb+6ast, M.Francis 14+1ast, T.Wynyard 13+5reb+1ast, A.Bailey-Nowell 9+2reb, D.Leusogi-Ape 5+3reb+6ast, D.Carlin 5+2reb+1ast

Saints - Bulls 111-82

Very expected game when 5th ranked Bulls (3-4) were smashed by top-ranked Saints (5-0) in Wellington 111-82 on Thursday. Saints dominated down low during the game scoring 66 of its points in the paint compared to Bulls' 34. Saints forced 22 Bulls turnovers and outrebounded them 42-17 including a 15-1 advantage in offensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. It was a very good performance for American guard Kerwin Roach II (193-96, college: Texas) who helped to win the game recording 22 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists. Jamaican center Romaro Gill (218-94, college: Seton Hall) contributed with 17 points and 6 rebounds (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field) for the winners. Five Saints players scored in double figures. Coach Zico Coronel's team controlled all game and the coach could let to play all 12 players and allowed the starting five to rest. American point guard Josh Selby (188-91, college: Kansas) replied with 16 points and 4 assists and guard Dane Brooks (188-96, college: Harcum CC) added 16 points in the effort for Bulls. Saints have an impressive five-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 5-0 record. Loser Bulls dropped to the seventh place with four games lost. Saints will face Huskies (#3) in Auckland in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Bulls will play at home against Nuggets (#5) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Saints: K.Roach II 22+9reb+5ast, R.Gill 17+6reb+1ast, T.Smith-Milner 14+4reb+2ast, D.Prewster 13+4reb+3ast, T.Samuel 12+6reb+3ast, I.Miller-Jose 10+5reb+2ast
Bulls: J.Selby 16+4ast, D.Brooks 16+2reb+1ast, J.Gerrand 12+2ast, T.Jett 10, D.Brooke 8+2reb+1ast, Z.Waterman 7+6reb+5ast

Huskies - Hawks 92-71

The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of Hawks (4-1) in Auckland on Friday night. Visitors were rolled over by third ranked Huskies (4-2) 92-71. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Hawks. Worth to mention a great performance of American power forward Chris Johnson (210-85, college: LSU) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 23 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists. The former international guard Brook Ruscoe-Taiaroa (189-90) contributed with 19 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Four Huskies players scored in double figures. Huskies' coach Aaron Young felt very confident that he used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. International forward Hyrum Harris (198-96, college: Umpqua CC) replied with a double-double by scoring 23 points and 10 rebounds and Australian forward Rhys Vague (206-96) added 19 points and 5 rebounds in the effort for Hawks. Huskies maintains third position with 4-2 record behind leader Saints. Hawks at the other side keep the second place with one game lost. Huskies are looking forward to face Nuggets (#5) in Dunedin in the next round. Hawks will play on the road against Rams in Christchurch and are hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Huskies: C.Johnson 23+12reb+4ast, B.Ruscoe-Taiaroa 19+6reb+1ast, S.Murphy 12+6reb, T.Fahrensohn 10+1reb+2ast, N.Dontae 9+3reb+4ast, R.Zach 7+1reb+1ast
Hawks: H.Harris 23+10reb+3ast, R.Vague 19+5reb+2ast, E.Bartlett 9+2reb+6ast, J.Janssen 9+5reb+2ast, M.Tre 6+5reb, F.Tommy 5+1reb

Jets - Mountainairs 85-77

Jets' fans can celebrate the first win of their team after five consecutive losses. They used home court advantage to defeat Mountain Airs (1-5) 85-77 on Sunday. Jets forced 19 Mountain Airs turnovers. It was a very good performance for American guard Daishon Knight (185-91, college: Illinois St.) who helped to win the game recording 20 points and 4 assists. Swingman Jake Mckinlay (201-1, college: Mineral Area) contributed with 15 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Five Jets players scored in double figures. Naturalized American forward Marcel Jones (203-85, college: Oregon St.) replied with a double-double by scoring 23 points and 15 rebounds and the former international power forward Tai Wynyard (208-98, college: Kentucky) added 14 points and 10 rebounds in the effort for Mountain Airs. Jets left bottom position moving up to ninth place, which they share with Mountainairs. Jets will face higher ranked Sharks (#4) in Southland in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Mountain Airs will play at home against Sharks (#4) and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Jets: D.Knight 20+3reb+4ast, D.Daniels 16+6reb+1ast, J.Mckinlay 15+7reb+2ast, S.Temara 14+7reb, J.Bezzant 11+4reb+1ast, N.McCullough 9+4reb+2ast
Mountainairs: M.Jones 23+15reb+2ast, H.Walker 16+4ast, T.Wynyard 14+10reb, D.Carlin 7+6reb+4ast, A.Bailey-Nowell 6+1reb+1ast, D.Leusogi-Ape 5+3reb+1ast

Sharks - Giants 101-92

The game between closely ranked teams ended with sixth ranked Sharks' (4-3) home victory over 7th ranked Giants (3-5) in Southland 101-92 on Sunday. Sharks dominated down low during the game scoring 48 of its points in the paint compared to Giants' 26. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Quite impressive performance for forward Brayden Inger (203-99) who helped to win the game recording 27 points and 6 rebounds. Dominique Kelman-Poto (201-94, college: Adelphi) contributed with 22 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Forward Nic Trathen (200-97) replied with 17 points and 6 rebounds and American guard Hunter Hale (192-97, college: Winthrop) added 18 points in the effort for Giants. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Sharks moved-up to fourth place. Loser Giants dropped to the eighth position with five games lost. Sharks will face Jets (#9) in Palmerston North in the next round where they are favorite. Giants will play at home against the league's second-placed Hawks and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Sharks: B.Inger 27+6reb+3ast, D.Kelman-Poto 22+8reb+4ast, C.Belger 19+9ast, A.Burton 14+5reb+3ast, J.Helu 7+3reb, J.Cunningham 6+5reb
Giants: H.Hale 18+2reb+3ast, N.Trathen 17+6reb, B.Beri 16+3reb+3ast, D.Ingram 15+3reb+2ast, R.Bensemann 7+1reb, T.Ingham 6+4reb+2ast

Rams - Bulls 89-86

A very interesting game took place in Christchurch. It ended with only three-point defeat on the road of 5th ranked Bulls (3-4) to seventh ranked Rams (3-3) 89-86 on Saturday evening. American players dominated the game. Guard Deshon Taylor (188-96, college: Fresno St.) fired 35 points (!!!), 7 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Forward EJ Singler (198-90, college: Oregon) chipped in a double-double by scoring 17 points, 11 rebounds, 9 assists and 4 steals. Four Rams players scored in double figures. Rams' coach Mick Downer allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. Point guard Josh Selby (188-91, college: Kansas) produced 42 points (!!!) and 7 rebounds and forward Zane Waterman (203-95, college: Manhattan) added 19 points, 14 rebounds and 4 assists (made all of his seven free throws) respectively for lost side. Rams moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Nuggets. Bulls at the other side dropped to the seventh position with four games lost. Rams' next round opponent will be league's second-placed Hawks in Tamatea and it may be quite challenging game. Bulls will play at home against Nuggets (#5) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Rams: D.Taylor 35+7reb+4ast, E.Singler 17+11reb+9ast, Q.Bailey 12+5reb+1ast, S.Smith 12+10reb+1ast, A.Talma 7+3reb+1ast, B.Constable 4+8reb+1ast
Bulls: J.Selby 42+7reb+2ast, Z.Waterman 19+14reb+4ast, J.Gerrand 10+4reb+1ast, D.Brooke 7+2reb, N.Joseph 5+2reb+2ast, D.Brooks 3+4reb

Nuggets - Giants 86-89

A very close game took place in Dunedin between Giants and Nuggets. Seventh ranked Giants (3-5) got a very close victory on the road over 4th ranked Nuggets (3-3). Giants managed to escape with a 3-point win 89-86 on Saturday evening. The winners were led by American guard Hunter Hale (192-97, college: Winthrop) who scored that evening 41 points (!!!) and 9 rebounds and the other American import swingman Donte Ingram (199-96, college: Loyola, IL) supported him with 17 points and 5 steals. Even a double-double of 18 points, 14 rebounds and 8 assists by the former international power forward Samuel Timmins (211-97, college: Washington) did not help to save the game for Nuggets. Australian forward Geremy McKay (201-96, college: Vanguard) added 21 points and 7 rebounds for lost side. Four Nuggets players scored in double figures. Despite that victory Giants went down to eighth position due to points difference. Defending champion Nuggets dropped to the fifth place with three games lost. They share the position with Rams. Giants will meet at home league's second-placed Hawks in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Nuggets will play against Huskies in Auckland and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Giants: H.Hale 41+9reb+3ast, D.Ingram 17+3reb+1ast, N.Trathen 15+4reb+1ast, T.Ingham 7+1reb+3ast, A.Rissetto 4+4reb, S.Dempster 3+11reb+1ast
Nuggets: I.Moss 21+5reb+3ast, G.McKay 21+7reb+3ast, S.Timmins 18+14reb+8ast, R.Rodger 11+3reb+1ast, J.Aitcheson 7+5reb+3ast, M.Akiva 6+3reb



Tags : CHRIS JOHNSON, AUCKLAND HUSKIES, NEW ZEALAND BASKETBALL