NBL Round 10: Rams lose to Giants

Callum McRae

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The biggest surprise took place in Stoke where host Giants (4-8) edged league's leader Rams (8-4) 97-94 on Sunday evening. Giants outrebounded Rams 35-23 including 24 on the defensive glass. Center Callum McRae (216-1999, college: Sacramento St.) fired 26 points and 8 rebounds (on 11-of-14 shooting from the field) for the winners. South Sudanese-Australian center Matur Maker (208-1998) chipped in 20 points and 12 rebounds. American Troy Baxter Jr (206-1996, college: Morgan St.) produced 21 points for lost side. Giants moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Jets. Rams at the other side dropped to the second position with four games lost. They share it with Nuggets and Bulls. They were replaced at the leadership position by Tuatara. Rams will play next round against strong Nuggets trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Giants will try to continue on its current victory against seventh ranked Hawks in Tamatea.
The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Tuatara as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Tuatara defeated top-ranked Bulls in Auckland 100-87. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Bulls. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Worth to mention a great performance of the former international power forward Robert Loe (211-1991, college: St.Louis) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 30 points, 15 rebounds and 6 assists. Jarrad Weeks contributed with 23 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners. The former international forward Daniel Fotu (203-1999, college: St.Mary's, CA) replied with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 16 rebounds for Bulls. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Tuatara (9-3) have an impressive six-game winning streak. As mentioned above they took over a top position. Bulls at the other side dropped to the second place with four games lost. They share the position with Rams and Nuggets. Bulls will play next round against Sharks trying to get back on the winning streak. Tuatara will try to continue on its current victory against sixth ranked Sharks at Southland.
A very close game took place in Tamatea between Bulls and Hawks. First ranked Bulls (8-4) got a very close victory on the road over 6th ranked Hawks (5-8). Bulls managed to escape with a 1-point win 100-99 on Saturday evening. Guest team only slightly avoided a big embarassment. Isaac Davidson scored 16 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists to lead the charge for the winners. At the losing side Ira Lee responded with a double-double by scoring 32 points and 12 rebounds. Bulls have an impressive five-game winning streak. Despite that victory Bulls went down to second position due to points difference, which they share with Rams and Nuggets. Loser Hawks dropped to the seventh place with eight games lost. Bulls will meet at home Sharks (#6) in the next round. Hawks will play against Giants in Stoke and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Rest of the games of round 10 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Nuggets were defeated by Jets in Palmerston North 99-94. Saints lost to defending champion Nuggets at home 85-101. Bottom-ranked Airs won against Sharks on the opponent's court 103-93.