NBL Round 5: Sharks lose to Saints

Kyle Adnam

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The game between third ranked Sharks (3-3) and ninth ranked Saints (2-4) was the most important one in the last round on Sunday night. Sharks were defeated by Saints in Southland 98-110. Saints shot 60.3 percent from the field. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 29 assists. Australian guard Kyle Adnam (186-1993) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 18 assists. The former international forward Tohi Smith-Milner (205-1995, college: Polk State CC) contributed with 25 points and 5 rebounds (on 11-of-12 shooting from the field) for the winners. American guard Jeremy Kendle (186-1988, college: Bellarmine) answered with 27 points and 7 assists for Sharks. Saints moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Hawks and Airs. Sharks at the other side keep the third position with three games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Saints is looking forward to face league's leader Nuggets in Dunedin in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Sharks will play at home against Giants and are hoping to win this game.
An interesting game for Nuggets (6-0) which played road game in Pukekohe against 3rd placed Bulls (3-3). Leader Nuggets had an easy win 91-72. The former international power forward Samuel Timmins (211-1997, college: Washington) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 18 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals for the winners and Michael Harris chipped in 24 points and 7 rebounds. The former international forward Daniel Fotu (203-1999, college: St.Mary's, CA) responded with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 12 rebounds. Bulls' coach rotated twelve players seeing no chance for a win. Undefeated Nuggets have an impressive series of six victories in a row. Defending champion maintains first place with 6-0 record. Bulls at the other side keep the third position with three games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Nuggets will play against Saints (#9) in Wellington in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Bulls will play on the road against Jets (#5) in Palmerston North and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Giants' fans can celebrate the first win of their team after five consecutive losses. They used home court advantage to defeat Airs (2-4) 117-83 on Saturday. Matur Maker nailed 21 points and 6 rebounds for the winning side. Giants' coach felt very confident that he used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. David Azore came up with 20 points for Airs in the defeat. Giants maintains tenth place with 1-5 record. Loser Airs dropped to the seventh position with four games lost. They share it with Hawks and Saints. Giants will meet league's second-placed Rams in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Airs will play against Hawks (#7) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 5: Nuggets beat Tuatara on the road 93-89. Rams won against Saints on its own court 102-88. Hawks unfortunately lost to Jets in Palmerston North 88-93.