NBL Round 8: Hawks defeat Saints in the game between Top 4 teams

Here is the last round review presented by ESL.

An interesting game for Hawks (9-3) which hosted in Tamatea second-ranked Saints (9-2). Third ranked Hawks managed to get a 6-point victory 88-82. International forward Hyrum Harris (198-96, college: Umpqua CC) orchestrated the victory by scoring 18 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. American guard Devondrick Walker (196-92, college: A&M-Commerce) contributed with 20 points for the winners. The former international forward Tohi Smith-Milner (206-95, college: Polk State CC) replied with 19 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists for Saints. Hawks have an impressive five-game winning streak. They maintain third position with 9-3 record behind leader Sharks. Saints at the other side keep the second place with two games lost. Hawks are again looking forward to face league's second-placed Saints in Wellington in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Saints will play on the road against Giants in Stoke and are hoping to win this game.
NBL top team - Sharks (10-3) had no problems winning another game. This time they crushed eighth ranked Bulls (4-9) in Southland 101-69. Worth to mention a quality performance of American forward Josh Cunningham (203-96, college: Dayton) who helped to win the game recording 22 points and 7 rebounds and Brayden Inger who added 18 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. Australian forward Manel Ayol (201, college: Hawaii) responded with 17 points and 7 rebounds. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Sharks have an impressive eight-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 10-3 record. Bulls at the other side keep the eighth place with nine games lost. Sharks will play against Huskies (#6) in Auckland in the next round where they are favorite. Bulls will play on the road against Hawks in Tamatea and hope to get back on the winning track.
The game in Stoke was also quite interesting. Fourth ranked Nuggets (8-5) played at the court of 6th ranked Giants (5-7). Nuggets defeated Giants 94-84 on Friday. The winners were led by Isaiah Moss who scored that evening 24 points and 8 rebounds. Nuggets' coach Brent Matehaere used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Even 19 points and 7 rebounds by Sam Dempster did not help to save the game for Giants. Defending champion maintains fourth position with 8-5 record. Loser Giants dropped to the seventh place with seven games lost. Nuggets will meet at home Huskies (#6) in the next round. Giants will play against the league's second-placed Saints and hope to secure a win.
The game between fourth ranked Nuggets (8-5) and 8th ranked Bulls (4-9) in Dunedin ended with biggest points difference. Nuggets outscored guests from Pukekohe 104-64. The best player for the winners was Samuel Timmins who had a double-double by scoring 24 points and 19 rebounds. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Defending champion maintains fourth position with 8-5 record. Bulls at the other side keep the eighth place with nine games lost. Nuggets' next round opponent will be Huskies (#6) in Auckland. Bulls will play on the road against Hawks in Tamatea and hope to win that game.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 8: Rams were beaten by Huskies on the road 83-78. Saints destroyed Mountainairs on its own court 89-63. Hawks outscored Jets in Tamatea 89-61. Rams rolled over Mountainairs at home 92-68.
The most impressive performance of 8th round was 24 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists by EJ Singler of Rams.

Huskies - Rams 83-78

There was a small surprise when sixth ranked Huskies (6-6) beat their close opponent Rams (6-6) in Auckland 83-78. Huskies made 19-of-24 charity shots (79.2 percent) during the game. They also forced 19 Rams turnovers. The best player for the winners was power forward Chris Johnson (210-85, college: LSU) who had a double-double by scoring 14 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 blocks. Guard Dontae Nance (190-5) chipped in 18 points and 4 steals. Five Huskies players scored in double figures. American guard Deshon Taylor (188-96, college: Fresno St.) produced 24 points and 6 rebounds (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line) and his fellow American import forward EJ Singler (198-90, college: Oregon) added 18 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists respectively for the guests. Rams' coach Mick Downer rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Huskies moved-up to fifth place, which they share with defeated Rams. Huskies' next round opponent will be higher ranked Nuggets (#4) in Dunedin and it may be quite challenging game. Rams will play on the road against Jets in Palmerston North and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Huskies: N.Dontae 18+4reb+3ast, J.Bibbs 17+5reb+2ast, R.Zach 16+4reb+2ast, C.Johnson 14+12reb+5ast, T.Vodanovich 14+7reb+2ast, T.Fahrensohn 2+3reb
Rams: D.Taylor 24+6reb+3ast, E.Singler 18+7reb+4ast, A.Talma 13+4reb+1ast, S.Smith 7+4reb+2ast, Q.Bailey 6+7reb, H.Zach 4

Giants - Nuggets 84-94

The game in Stoke was also quite interesting. Fourth ranked Nuggets (8-5) played at the court of 6th ranked Giants (5-7). Nuggets defeated Giants 94-84 on Friday. Nuggets had a 32-21 advantage in offensive rebounds. It was a great shooting night for Nuggets especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 52.4 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. The winners were led by American guard Isaiah Moss (196-96, college: Kansas) who scored that evening 24 points and 8 rebounds and the former international power forward Samuel Timmins (211-97, college: Washington) supported him with 15 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists. Nuggets' coach Brent Matehaere used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Even 19 points and 7 rebounds by swingman Sam Dempster (194-90) did not help to save the game for Giants. American guard Hunter Hale (192-97, college: Winthrop) added 21 points, 5 assists and 5 steals for the hosts. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Defending champion maintains fourth position with 8-5 record. Loser Giants dropped to the seventh place with seven games lost. Nuggets will meet at home Huskies (#6) in the next round. Giants will play against the league's second-placed Saints and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Nuggets: I.Moss 24+8reb+2ast, G.McKay 21+9reb+2ast, S.Timmins 15+12reb+5ast, R.Rodger 11+2reb+7ast, J.Aitcheson 7+3reb+3ast, L.Aston 6
Giants: H.Hale 21+2reb+5ast, S.Dempster 19+7reb+2ast, N.Trathen 13+3reb+1ast, T.Ingham 11+4reb+1ast, A.Rissetto 8+4reb+1ast, D.Ingram 6+12reb+3ast

Hawks - Saints 88-82

An interesting game for Hawks (9-3) which hosted in Tamatea second-ranked Saints (9-2). Third ranked Hawks managed to get a 6-point victory 88-82. International forward Hyrum Harris (198-96, college: Umpqua CC) orchestrated the victory by scoring 18 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. American guard Devondrick Walker (196-92, college: A&M-Commerce) contributed with 20 points for the winners. The former international forward Tohi Smith-Milner (206-95, college: Polk State CC) replied with 19 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists and American guard Kerwin Roach II (193-96, college: Texas) added 18 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists in the effort for Saints. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Hawks have an impressive five-game winning streak. They maintain third position with 9-3 record behind leader Sharks. Saints at the other side keep the second place with two games lost. Hawks are again looking forward to face league's second-placed Saints in Wellington in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Saints will play on the road against Giants in Stoke and are hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Hawks: D.Walker 20+4reb+1ast, H.Harris 18+7reb+4ast, R.Vague 15+3reb+2ast, D.Raukawa 14+3reb+2ast, E.Rusbatch 12+5reb+3ast, J.Hunt 7+3reb
Saints: T.Smith-Milner 19+7reb+5ast, K.Roach II 18+6reb+5ast, L.Henry 17+7reb+1ast, D.Prewster 14+4reb+5ast, T.Samuel 14+4reb+1ast, T.Kenneth 0+5reb+1ast

Sharks - Bulls 101-69

NBL top team - Sharks (10-3) had no problems winning another game. This time they crushed eighth ranked Bulls (4-9) in Southland 101-69. Sharks dominated down low during the game scoring 54 of its points in the paint compared to Bulls' 34. Sharks forced 22 Bulls turnovers. Worth to mention a quality performance of American forward Josh Cunningham (203-96, college: Dayton) who helped to win the game recording 22 points and 7 rebounds and forward Brayden Inger (203-99) who added 18 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. Four Sharks players scored in double figures. Australian forward Manel Ayol (201, college: Hawaii) responded with 17 points and 7 rebounds and Australian-American forward Kyrin Galloway (203-99, college: UNCG) scored 8 points and 12 rebounds. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Sharks have an impressive eight-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 10-3 record. Bulls at the other side keep the eighth place with nine games lost. Sharks will play against Huskies (#6) in Auckland in the next round where they are favorite. Bulls will play on the road against Hawks in Tamatea and hope to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Sharks: J.Cunningham 22+7reb+3ast, B.Inger 18+6reb, C.Belger 13+3reb+6ast, A.Burton 11+4reb, J.Helu 10+2reb+3ast, T.Gillooly 9+9reb
Bulls: M.Ayol 17+7reb+2ast, I.Davidson 11+5reb+3ast, D.Brooke 9+5reb+1ast, W.Dylan 8+1reb, K.Galloway 8+12reb+1ast, J.Gerrand 6+1reb+1ast

Saints - Mountainairs 89-63

Very expected game when 10th ranked Mountain Airs (1-11) were smashed by second ranked Saints (9-2) in Wellington 89-63. Saints forced 19 Mountain Airs turnovers and outrebounded them 43-26 including 28 on the defensive glass. The best player for the winners was the former international forward Leon Henry (200-85, college: S.Idaho JC, agency: BIG) who had a double-double by scoring 13 points and 11 rebounds. American guard Kerwin Roach II (193-96, college: Texas) chipped in 13 points and 5 assists. Five Saints players scored in double figures. Saints' coach Zico Coronel felt very confident that he used entire bench and allowed the starting five to rest. The former international power forward Tai Wynyard (208-98, college: Kentucky) produced 15 points and naturalized American forward Marcel Jones (203-85, college: Oregon St.) added 11 points and 5 rebounds respectively for the guests. Saints maintains second position with 9-2 record behind leader Sharks. Mountain Airs lost eighth consecutive game. They stay at the bottom place with 11 games lost. Saints' next round opponent will be Hawks (#3) in Tamatea, which may be the game of the day. Mountain Airs will play at home against Jets (#9) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Saints: T.Smith-Milner 15+4reb+2ast, T.Kenneth 13+6reb, K.Roach II 13+3reb+5ast, L.Henry 13+11reb+1ast, E.Vaigafa 11+6reb+1ast, D.Prewster 10+4reb+4ast
Mountainairs: T.Wynyard 15+4reb, M.Jones 11+5reb+3ast, F.Baxter 10+2reb, M.Francis 7+4reb+2ast, H.Walker 6+2reb+2ast, P.Thomas 5+1reb

Jets - Hawks 61-89

Very predictable result when third ranked Hawks (9-3) rolled over 9th ranked Jets (3-9) in Palmerston North 89-61. Hawks outrebounded Jets 43-30 including 29 on the defensive glass. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 26 assists comparing to just 5 passes made by Jets' players. The best player for the winners was American guard Devondrick Walker (196-92, college: A&M-Commerce) who scored 25 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists. International forward Hyrum Harris (198-96, college: Umpqua CC) chipped in a double-double by scoring 10 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists and 5 steals. Four Hawks players scored in double figures. American guard Daishon Knight (185-91, college: Illinois St.) produced 20 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists and his fellow American import forward DeAndre Daniels (206-92, college: UConn) added 12 points, 10 rebounds and 5 blocks respectively for the hosts. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Hawks have an impressive five-game winning streak. They maintain third position with 9-3 record behind leader Sharks. Jets lost third consecutive game. They keep the ninth place with nine games lost. Hawks' next round opponent will be league's second-placed Saints in Wellington and it will be for sure the game of the week. Jets will play at home against Rams (#5) and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Hawks: D.Walker 25+6reb+8ast, J.Hunt 17+3reb+2ast, R.Vague 11+12reb, H.Harris 10+11reb+7ast, E.Rusbatch 10+2reb, D.Raukawa 9+3ast
Jets: D.Knight 20+5reb+4ast, J.Bezzant 16+1reb, D.Daniels 12+10reb, C.Tukaha 8+1reb, M.Isaac 3+6reb, L.Finn 2+2reb

Nuggets - Bulls 104-64

The game between fourth ranked Nuggets (8-5) and 8th ranked Bulls (4-9) in Dunedin ended with biggest points difference. Nuggets outscored guests from Pukekohe 104-64. Nuggets outrebounded Bulls 50-33 including a 36-25 advantage in defensive rebounds. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists. The best player for the winners was the former international power forward Samuel Timmins (211-97, college: Washington) who had a double-double by scoring 24 points and 19 rebounds. American guard Isaiah Moss (196-96, college: Kansas) chipped in 23 points. Australian-American forward Kyrin Galloway (203-99, college: UNCG) produced a double-double by scoring 13 points and 17 rebounds and power forward Denhym Brooke (203-96, college: Hawaii-Hilo) added 12 points respectively for the guests. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Defending champion maintains fourth position with 8-5 record. Bulls at the other side keep the eighth place with nine games lost. Nuggets' next round opponent will be Huskies (#6) in Auckland. Bulls will play on the road against Hawks in Tamatea and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Nuggets: S.Timmins 24+19reb+2ast, I.Moss 23+4reb+3ast, G.McKay 14+8reb+7ast, R.Rodger 11+3reb+1ast, J.Aitcheson 9+3reb+2ast, J.Ahie 6
Bulls: K.Galloway 13+17reb+1ast, D.Brooke 12+2reb+2ast, N.Fee 11+3reb, J.Gerrand 10+3reb+1ast, M.Ayol 5+2reb+1ast, I.Davidson 4+3reb+3ast

Rams - Mountainairs 92-68

Not a big story in a game when 10th ranked Mountain Airs (1-11) were outscored by sixth ranked Rams (6-6) in Christchurch 92-68. Rams dominated down low during the game scoring 70 of its points in the paint compared to Mountain Airs' 40. They outrebounded Mountain Airs 45-27 including a 33-21 advantage in defensive rebounds. Rams players were unselfish on offense dishing 27 assists comparing to just 14 passes made by Mountain Airs' players. The best player for the winners was American forward EJ Singler (198-90, college: Oregon) who had a double-double by scoring 24 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists. The other American import guard Deshon Taylor (188-96, college: Fresno St.) chipped in 21 points, 5 assists and 4 steals. Five Rams players scored in double figures. Rams' coach Mick Downer felt very confident that he used entire bench and allowed the starting five to get some rest. Naturalized American forward Marcel Jones (203-85, college: Oregon St.) produced a double-double by scoring 16 points and 10 rebounds and the former international power forward Tai Wynyard (208-98, college: Kentucky) added 16 points respectively for the guests. Rams moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Huskies. Mountain Airs lost eighth consecutive game. They stay at the bottom position with 11 games lost. Rams' next round opponent will be Jets (#9) in Palmerston North. Mountain Airs will play at home against Jets and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Rams: E.Singler 24+13reb+4ast, D.Taylor 21+2reb+5ast, A.Talma 12+10reb+3ast, S.Smith 12+4reb+8ast, M.Darling 10+4reb+1ast, J.Cook-Green 5+2reb
Mountainairs: T.Wynyard 16+4reb+1ast, M.Jones 16+10reb+1ast, D.Carlin 14+2reb+3ast, M.Francis 7+1reb+1ast, D.Leusogi-Ape 6+3reb+2ast, H.Walker 4+4reb+3ast



Tags : HYRUM HARRIS, TAYLOR HAWKS, NEW ZEALAND BASKETBALL