NBL Round 9: Tuatara keep a leadership position

Robert Loe

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The game had a very big importance for third-ranked Huskies as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Huskies defeated 8th ranked Jets in Auckland 96-82. Huskies dominated down low during the game scoring 60 of its points in the paint compared to Jets' 38 and made 18-of-22 free shots (81.8 percent) during the game. The former international power forward Robert Loe (211-1991, college: St.Louis) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 31 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists (went 8 for 8 at the free throw line) for the winners and Australian guard Jarrad Weeks (183-1989) chipped in 22 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. The best for the losing side was American forward Danny Pippen (206-1997, college: Kent St.) with a double-double by scoring 15 points, 9 rebounds and 10 assists. Jets' coach rotated ten players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Huskies (8-3) have an impressive series of five victories in a row. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with Rams. Jets lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the eighth place with eight games lost. They share the position with Giants. Jets will play next round against strong Nuggets trying to get back on the winning streak. Huskies will try to continue on its current victory against fourth ranked Bulls in Pukekohe.
Very important is a road loss of third ranked Nuggets (7-3) against seventh ranked Sharks (5-6) on Monday night. Visiting Nuggets were crushed by Sharks in Southland 116-79. Australian forward Grant Anticevich (206-1999, college: California) nailed a double-double by scoring 18 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists for the winning side and Jeremy Kendle accounted for 14 points, 6 rebounds and 9 assists. Australian guard Michael Harris (193-1999) came up with 21 points for Nuggets in the defeat. 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 moved-up to sixth place. Nuggets lost their third game in a row. Defending champion keep the third position with three games lost. They share it with Bulls. Sharks will play against bottom-ranked Airs (#10) in New Plymouth in the next round. Nuggets will play on the road against Saints (#5) in Wellington and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

There were no shocking results in the rest of the games of round 9: Saints won against Giants on the opponent's court 120-112. Rams managed to outperform Hawks in a home game 112-97. Saints rolled over Airs on the road 111-92. Bulls defeated Jets on its own court 97-82.