NBL Round 8 (Regular Season): Rams beat Airs by three after a very close game

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most exciting game of round 8 in the NBL took place in Christchurch. This derby game ended with only three-point defeat on the road of their close opponent Airs (6-3) to fifth ranked Rams (6-2) 86-83 on Thursday evening. Australian Lachlan Olbrich (208-2003, college: UC Riverside) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 10 rebounds. International guard Taylor Britt (187-1996, college: Southeast CC) contributed with 24 points and 5 assists (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field) for the winners. Australian guard Mitchell McCarron (189-1992, college: MSU Denver) replied with 17 points and 7 assists for Airs. Rams have an impressive five-game winning streak. Defending champion moved-up to second place, which they share with Saints and Bulls. Airs at the other side keep the fifth position with three games lost. Rams is looking forward to face Whai (#9) in Tauranga in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Airs will play at home against Jets (#10) and are hoping to win this game.
Very important is a home loss of second ranked Saints (6-2) against eighth ranked Giants (4-5) on Sunday night. Host Saints were defeated by Giants in a tough game in Wellington 96-105. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Saints. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Kobe Langley (185-2000, college: UNCG) who helped to win the game recording 25 points, 7 rebounds and 9 assists and Daniel Grida who added 27 points and 9 rebounds during the contest. Giants' coach allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. International guard Izayah Mauriohooho-Leafa (188-1996, college: Sacramento St.) responded with 28 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. Giants moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Nuggets. Saints at the other side keep the second position with two games lost. They share it with Rams and Bulls. Giants will play against Whai (#9) in Tauranga in the next round. Saints will play on the road against the league's second-placed Bulls (#2) and will have a slim chance for a victory.
NBL top team - Tuatara (8-2) had no problems winning another game on Saturday. This time they crushed tenth ranked Jets (1-8) in Auckland 110-72. The winners were led by Corey Webster who had that evening a double-double by scoring 29 points, 5 rebounds and 13 assists. Even 31 points by Mustapha Heron did not help to save the game for Jets. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Tuatara have an impressive six-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 8-2 record. Jets lost seventh consecutive game. They keep the tenth place with eight games lost. Tuatara will meet bottom-ranked Sharks (#11) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Jets will play against Airs in New Plymouth and hope to win that game.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 8: Nuggets were beaten by Whai on the road 70-69. Bulls destroyed Sharks on its own court 109-75. Nuggets unfortunately lost to Hawks in Tamatea 105-116. Airs rolled over Sharks at home 102-78.



Whai - Nuggets 70-69

There was a small surprise when ninth ranked Whai (3-5) edged 6th ranked Nuggets (4-5) in Tauranga 70-69 on Wednesday. The winners were led by American forward Phil Carr (206-1995, college: Morgan St.) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 15 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists and the other American import guard Demarcus Holland (193-1994, college: Texas) supported him with 20 points and 6 rebounds. Holland is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Even a double-double of 13 points, 13 rebounds and 5 assists by Australian swingman Ben Henshall (195-2004) did not help to save the game for Nuggets. American Kimani Lawrence (202-1998, college: Arizona St.) added 19 points and 6 rebounds for the guests. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Newly promoted Whai maintains ninth position with 3-5 record. Loser Nuggets dropped to the seventh place with five games lost. They share the position with Giants. Whai will meet higher ranked Giants (#8) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Nuggets will play against the league's leader Tuatara and will have a slim chance for a victory.
Top scorers:
Whai: D.Holland 20+6reb+3ast, L.Te Tuhi 17+3reb+1ast, P.Carr 15+12reb+4ast, J.Bezzant 10+6reb+2ast, K.Perrott-Hunt 6+2ast, D.Brooke 2+7reb+2ast
Nuggets: K.Lawrence 19+6reb+3ast, T.Webster 14+7reb+2ast, A.Jack 14+6reb+1ast, H.Ben 13+13reb+5ast, Z.Darko-Kelly 5+5reb+2ast, B.Matthew 2+2reb+1ast

Rams - Airs 86-83

The most exciting game of round 8 in the NBL took place in Christchurch. This derby game ended with only three-point defeat on the road of their close opponent Airs (6-3) to fifth ranked Rams (6-2) 86-83 on Thursday evening. Australian Lachlan Olbrich (208-2003, college: UC Riverside) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 10 rebounds. International guard Taylor Britt (187-1996, college: Southeast CC) contributed with 24 points and 5 assists (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field) for the winners. Australian guard Mitchell McCarron (189-1992, college: MSU Denver) replied with 17 points and 7 assists and the former international guard Tobias Cameron (196-1999, college: ACU) added 16 points and 10 rebounds in the effort for Airs. Four Airs players scored in double figures. Rams have an impressive five-game winning streak. Defending champion moved-up to second place, which they share with Saints and Bulls. Airs at the other side keep the fifth position with three games lost. Rams is looking forward to face Whai (#9) in Tauranga in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Airs will play at home against Jets (#10) and are hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Rams: T.Britt 24+2reb+5ast, L.Olbrich 22+10reb+2ast, M.Darling 18+9reb+1ast, T.Fahrensohn 7+3reb, B.Walter 6+4reb, K.Buffen 6+3reb
Airs: M.McCarron 17+3reb+7ast, T.Cameron 16+10reb+1ast, F.Cameron 16+2reb+1ast, S.Froling 13+10reb+1ast, E.Minnie 9+6reb, D.Carlin 7+2reb+2ast

Bulls - Sharks 109-75

Very expected game when bottom-ranked Sharks (0-10) were smashed by fourth ranked Bulls (6-2) in Pukekohe 109-75 on Friday. Bulls dominated down low during the game scoring 84 of its points in the paint compared to Sharks' 46. Bulls looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. The winners were led by American guard Luther Muhammad (190-1999, college: Arizona St.) who scored that evening 28 points and the former international power forward Samuel Timmins (211-1997, college: Washington) supported him with 16 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists (on 8-of-9 shooting from the field). Bulls' coach Sebastian Gleim felt very confident that he used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Even a double-double of 16 points and 11 rebounds by center Callum McRae (216-1999, college: Sacramento St.) did not help to save the game for Sharks. Guard Alonzo Burton (193-1993, agency: IceBasket) added 15 points and 4 assists for the guests. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Bulls moved-up to second place, which they share with Rams and Saints. Loser Sharks still closes the standings with ten games lost. Bulls will meet at home Saints (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Sharks will play against the league's leader Tuatara (#1) and hope to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Bulls: L.Muhammad 28+2reb+2ast, E.Rusbatch 20+1reb+1ast, S.Timmins 16+12reb+4ast, D.Kelman-Poto 15+6reb+1ast, J.Scott 14+2reb+7ast, B.Darrell 4+4reb+4ast
Sharks: C.McRae 16+11reb+2ast, A.Burton 15+4ast, M.Lotts 12+4reb, B.Inger 10+1reb+2ast, C.Asberry 10+2reb+2ast, H.Benjamin 6+4reb+3ast

Hawks - Nuggets 116-105

We could consider it a predictable result in the game between close teams when seventh ranked Hawks (4-4) won against 6th ranked Nuggets (4-5) in Tamatea 116-105 on Saturday. Hawks made 17-of-21 free shots (81.0 percent) during the game. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Hawks made 7 blocks. The winners were led by American guard Isaiah Moore (185-2000, college: USA) who scored that evening 30 points and 8 assists and the other American import forward Josh Roberts (205-1999, college: Manhattan) supported him with 13 points and 20 rebounds. Even 27 points and 8 assists by the former international guard Tai Webster (193-1995, college: Nebraska) did not help to save the game for Nuggets. American Kimani Lawrence (202-1998, college: Arizona St.) added 22 points and 5 rebounds for the guests. Five Hawks and four Nuggets players scored in double figures. Nuggets' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Hawks moved-up to sixth place. Loser Nuggets dropped to the seventh position with five games lost. They share it with Giants. Hawks will meet at home league's second-placed Bulls in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Nuggets will play against the league's leader Tuatara (#1) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Hawks: I.Moore 30+4reb+8ast, K.Rasmussen 27+2reb+1ast, J.Ngatai 20+4reb+2ast, L.Sutherland 20+1reb+1ast, J.Roberts 13+20reb+2ast, B.Jackson 4+3reb+1ast
Nuggets: T.Webster 27+4reb+8ast, K.Lawrence 22+5reb+3ast, H.Ben 20+5reb+5ast, Z.Darko-Kelly 13+6reb+2ast, A.Jack 9+5reb, R.Coman 6+2reb

Tuatara - Jets 110-72

NBL top team - Tuatara (8-2) had no problems winning another game on Saturday. This time they crushed tenth ranked Jets (1-8) in Auckland 110-72. Tuatara dominated down low during the game scoring 64 of its points in the paint compared to Jets' 42 and made 16-of-20 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game. Tuatara forced 22 Jets turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 29 assists comparing to just 10 passes made by Jets' players. The winners were led by the former international Corey Webster (188-1988, college: Lambuth) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 29 points, 5 rebounds and 13 assists and the former international power forward Robert Loe (211-1991, college: St.Louis) supported him with 22 points and 7 rebounds. Five Tuatara players scored in double figures. Even 31 points by American guard Mustapha Heron (196-1997, college: St.John's) did not help to save the game for Jets. Forward Simon Lafaele (196-2000) added 12 points and 8 rebounds for the guests. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Tuatara have an impressive six-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 8-2 record. Jets lost seventh consecutive game. They keep the tenth place with eight games lost. Tuatara will meet bottom-ranked Sharks (#11) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Jets will play against Airs in New Plymouth and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Tuatara: C.Webster 29+5reb+13ast, R.Loe 22+7reb+3ast, C.Dalton 16+1reb+2ast, R.Te Rangi 16+1reb+5ast, T.Vodanovich 14+7reb, N.Barrow 6+1reb
Jets: M.Heron 31+2reb+1ast, L.Simon 12+8reb, T.Baxter Jr. 9+3reb, Q.Lane 6+1reb+7ast, C.Lachlan 5+2reb, J.Liam 4+5reb+2ast

Airs - Sharks 102-78

Not a big story in a game when bottom-ranked Sharks (0-10) were outscored by fifth ranked Airs (6-3) in New Plymouth 102-78 on Sunday. Airs looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. The winners were led by Australian power forward Samson Froling (212-2000, college: Creighton) who scored that evening 21 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists and international guard Flynn Cameron (196-2000, college: UC Riverside) supported him with 17 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals. Airs' coach felt very confident that he used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Even a double-double of 19 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists by center Callum McRae (216-1999, college: Sacramento St.) did not help to save the game for Sharks. Guard Alonzo Burton (193-1993, agency: IceBasket) added 24 points for the guests. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Airs maintains fifth position with 6-3 record. Loser Sharks still closes the standings with ten games lost. Airs will meet at home Jets (#10) in the next round where they are favorite. Sharks will play against the league's leader Tuatara and hope to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Airs: S.Froling 21+9reb+7ast, F.Cameron 17+5reb+5ast, N.Hill 15+3reb+1ast, T.Cameron 13+7reb, E.Minnie 12+2reb+2ast, D.Raukawa 8+2ast
Sharks: A.Burton 24+3reb+1ast, C.McRae 19+13reb+4ast, M.Lotts 16+4reb, T.Scott 10+3reb, C.Asberry 5+8reb+10ast, H.Benjamin 4+2reb

Saints - Giants 96-105

Very important is a home loss of second ranked Saints (6-2) against eighth ranked Giants (4-5) on Sunday night. Host Saints were defeated by Giants in a tough game in Wellington 96-105. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Saints. Saints were plagued by 26 personal fouls down the stretch. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Kobe Langley (185-2000, college: UNCG) who helped to win the game recording 25 points, 7 rebounds and 9 assists and Australian swingman Daniel Grida (195-1998) who added 27 points and 9 rebounds during the contest. Giants' coach allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. International guard Izayah Mauriohooho-Leafa (188-1996, college: Sacramento St.) responded with 28 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists and Australian guard Ben Ayre (184-1995, college: Newman) scored 33 points (!!!). Four Saints players scored in double figures. Giants moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Nuggets. Saints at the other side keep the second position with two games lost. They share it with Rams and Bulls. Giants will play against Whai (#9) in Tauranga in the next round. Saints will play on the road against the league's second-placed Bulls (#2) and will have a slim chance for a victory.
Top scorers:
Giants: D.Grida 27+9reb, K.Langley 25+7reb+9ast, D.Fotu 25+4reb+5ast, S.Dempster 9+4reb, T.Akwuba 9+5reb+1ast, M.Alexander 6+3reb+2ast
Saints: B.Ayre 33+2reb+2ast, I.Mauriohooho-Le'afa 28+6reb+6ast, T.Smith-Milner 14+9reb+4ast, L.Mayen 14+9reb+6ast, T.Samuel 6+1reb, M.Benlevi 1+7reb+2ast