NBL Round 11 (Regular Season): Tuatara beat Rams by three after a very close game

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most exciting game of round 11 in the NBL took place in Auckland. This derby game ended with only three-point defeat on the road of second-ranked Rams (8-3) to first ranked Tuatara (10-2) 100-97 on Wednesday evening. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Rams. The former international forward Isaac Davidson (201-1997, college: Sonoma St.) orchestrated the victory by scoring 22 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. The former international power forward Robert Loe (211-1991, college: St.Louis) contributed with 14 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. International guard Taylor Britt (188-1996, college: Southeast CC) answered with 33 points (!!!) and 6 assists (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line) for Rams. Tuatara have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain first place with 10-2 record, which they share with Sharks. Rams at the other side dropped to the third position with three games lost. They share it with Saints. Tuatara is looking forward to face Saints (#4) in Wellington in the next round. Rams will play on the road against Nuggets in Dunedin and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Important game to mention about took place in Dunedin. Sixth ranked Bulls (5-7) saved a 1-point victory on the road edging 5th ranked Nuggets (5-6) 94-93 on Friday evening. It was a great evening for American guard Jace Carter (198-2003, college: Texas A&M) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 17 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists. Carter Whitt helped adding 28 points. Bulls' coach allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. Australian-German forward Craig Moller (203-1994, agency: BIG) responded with 16 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists. Bulls maintains sixth place with 5-7 record. Nuggets lost their third game in a row. They keep the fifth position with six games lost. Bulls will play against bottom-ranked Hawks (#11) in Tamatea in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Nuggets will play at home against Rams (#3) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
NBL top team - Tuatara (10-2) had no problems winning another game on Saturday. This time they crushed ninth ranked Airs (3-8) in New Plymouth 90-69. It was a quality performance for Josh Dilling who led the winners and scored 23 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. James Moors came up with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 11 rebounds for Airs in the defeat. The victory was the fifth consecutive win for Tuatara. They maintain first place with 10-2 record, which they share with Sharks. Airs lost their seventh game in a row. They keep the ninth position with eight games lost. They share it with Giants. Tuatara will meet at home Saints (#4) in the next round. Airs will play against Whai (#7) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 11: Saints smashed Jets on the road 105-84. Bottom-ranked Hawks lost to Giants on its own court 85-94. Giants unfortunately lost to Whai in Tauranga 58-69. Saints managed to beat Nuggets at home 96-90. Bulls were defeated by Sharks on the opponent's court 86-75.
The most impressive performance of 11th round was 26 points and 7 rebounds by Derrin Boyd of Bulls.



Jets - Saints 84-105

No shocking result in a game when fourth ranked Saints (8-3) crushed 7th ranked Jets (4-8) in Palmerston North 105-84 on Monday. Saints dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to Jets' 36. Saints looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. It was an exceptional evening for American guard Elijah Pepper (193-2001, college: UC Davis) who led the winners and scored 45 points (!!!). International power forward Jordan Hunt (206-1997, college: S.Oregon) accounted for 16 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field) for the winning side. The former international guard Tai Webster (193-1995, college: Nebraska) came up with 19 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists and American power forward Jamal Poplar (204-1996, college: Seward County) added 19 points and 5 rebounds respectively for Jets in the defeat. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. The victory was the third consecutive win for Saints. Defending champion moved-up to third place, which they share with Rams. Loser Jets dropped to the eighth position with eight games lost. Saints will meet league's leader Tuatara in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Jets will play against Whai (#7) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Saints: P.Elijah 45+2reb+3ast, A.Aliir 20+9reb+1ast, J.Hunt 16+10reb+5ast, D.Carlin 12+3reb+4ast, B.Iuli 7+2reb+3ast, L.Izayah 3+3reb+5ast
Jets: P.Jamal 19+5reb+2ast, T.Webster 19+5reb+8ast, K.Sand 14+3reb+1ast, I.Small 12+4reb+2ast, E.Jr Kazlo 8+1ast, C.Webster 6+2reb+2ast

Tuatara - Rams 100-97

The most exciting game of round 11 in the NBL took place in Auckland. This derby game ended with only three-point defeat on the road of second-ranked Rams (8-3) to first ranked Tuatara (10-2) 100-97 on Wednesday evening. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Rams. The former international forward Isaac Davidson (201-1997, college: Sonoma St.) orchestrated the victory by scoring 22 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. The former international power forward Robert Loe (211-1991, college: St.Louis) contributed with 14 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. International guard Taylor Britt (188-1996, college: Southeast CC) answered with 33 points (!!!) and 6 assists (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line) and American-Cameroonian forward Tamenang Choh (196-1998, college: Brown) added 25 points and 9 rebounds in the effort for Rams. Five Tuatara and four Rams players scored in double figures. Tuatara have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain first place with 10-2 record, which they share with Sharks. Rams at the other side dropped to the third position with three games lost. They share it with Saints. Tuatara is looking forward to face Saints (#4) in Wellington in the next round. Rams will play on the road against Nuggets in Dunedin and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Tuatara: D.Isaac 22+6reb+5ast, Z.Riley 19+3reb+2ast, D.Josh 15+2reb+2ast, L.Robert 14+6reb+5ast, V.Thomas 12+6reb+2ast, B.Sean 10+7reb+2ast
Rams: T.Britt 33+3reb+6ast, T.Choh 25+9reb+3ast, J.Andrew 16+7reb, W.Brown 11+6reb+3ast, H.Jake 9+2reb, T.Withers 3+4reb

Hawks - Giants 85-94

Everything could happen in Tamatea at the game between two tied teams. Both ninth ranked Giants and 11th ranked Hawks had identical 2-8 record. But Hawks were not able to use a home court advantage and lost to the opponent from Nelson 94-85 on Thursday night. It was an exceptional evening for the former international guard Kruz Perrott-Hunt (191-2000, college: S.Dakota) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 27 points, 15 rebounds and 5 assists. American guard Shane Gatling (188-1998, college: Colorado) accounted for 29 points (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line) for the winning side. Gatling is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. The former international guard Keanu Rasmussen (188-2003, college: CBU) came up with 28 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists and American power forward Chase Jeter (208-1997, college: Arizona) added 13 points, 13 rebounds and 5 assists respectively for Hawks in the defeat. Five Hawks players scored in double figures. Hawks' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Giants maintains ninth place with 3-8 record, which they share with Airs. Hawks lost their fourth game in a row. They stay at the bottom position with nine games lost. Giants will meet at home league's second-placed Sharks in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Hawks will play against Bulls (#6) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Giants: G.Shane 29+1reb+2ast, P.Kruz 27+15reb+5ast, A.McNaught 15+6reb+4ast, S.Dempster 9+8reb, L.Eemi 8+10reb+4ast, J.Liam 4+2reb
Hawks: K.Rasmussen 28+7reb+7ast, D.Grida 15+7reb+5ast, C.Jeter 13+13reb+5ast, J.McLaughlin 11+3reb+1ast, A.Burton 11+3reb+1ast, B.III Clifton 5+2reb

Nuggets - Bulls 93-94

Important game to mention about took place in Dunedin. Sixth ranked Bulls (5-7) saved a 1-point victory on the road edging 5th ranked Nuggets (5-6) 94-93 on Friday evening. Bulls players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists. It was a great evening for American guard Jace Carter (198-2003, college: Texas A&M) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 17 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists. His fellow American import guard Carter Whitt (190-2002, college: Belmont) helped adding 28 points. Bulls' coach allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. Australian-German forward Craig Moller (203-1994, agency: BIG) responded with 16 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists and the former international swingman Ethan Rusbatch (196-1992, college: Lincoln Trail) scored 13 points and 4 assists. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Bulls maintains sixth place with 5-7 record. Nuggets lost their third game in a row. They keep the fifth position with six games lost. Bulls will play against bottom-ranked Hawks (#11) in Tamatea in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Nuggets will play at home against Rams (#3) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Bulls: W.Carter 28+1reb+3ast, K.Robinson 20+10reb+2ast, C.Jace 17+13reb+4ast, B.Derrin 14+2reb+5ast, D.Kelman-Poto 11+4reb+4ast, Z.Anderson 3+2reb+2ast
Nuggets: C.Moller 16+8reb+6ast, T.Thata-Paese 15+1reb, B.Matthew 14+1reb+1ast, B.Tuach 13+4reb+3ast, E.Rusbatch 13+4reb+4ast, Z.Mckenzie 12+3reb+1ast

Whai - Giants 69-58

The game between closely ranked teams ended with eighth ranked Tauranga's (4-6) home victory over 9th ranked Giants (3-8) 69-58 on Saturday. It was an exceptional evening for the former international swingman Reuben Te Rangi (198-1994) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 23 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists. The former international forward Jordan Ngatai (198-1993, college: BYU-Hawaii) accounted for 10 points and 6 rebounds for the winning side. Tauranga's coach used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The former international guard Kruz Perrott-Hunt (191-2000, college: S.Dakota) came up with a double-double by scoring 11 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists and the former international forward Tohi Smith-Milner (205-1995, college: Polk State CC) added 7 points and 11 rebounds respectively for Giants in the defeat. Whai moved-up to seventh place. Loser Giants keep the ninth position with eight games lost. They share it with Airs. Whai will meet Jets (#8) in the next round. Giants will play against the league's second-placed Sharks and will have a slim chance for a victory.
Top scorers:
Whai: T.Reuben 23+11reb+6ast, N.Jordan 10+6reb+2ast, B.Jayden 9+3reb+1ast, M.Taine 5+8reb+2ast, S.Nicholas 5+2reb+1ast, C.Hopoi 4+1reb
Giants: L.Judd 12+2reb+2ast, K.Perrott-Hunt 11+11reb+4ast, S.Gatling 9+5reb+2ast, D.Samuel 9+2reb, T.Smith-Milner 7+11reb+2ast, M.Alexander 5+4reb+1ast

Airs - Tuatara 69-90

NBL top team - Tuatara (10-2) had no problems winning another game on Saturday. This time they crushed ninth ranked Airs (3-8) in New Plymouth 90-69. Tuatara outrebounded Airs 49-35 including a 38-24 advantage in defensive rebounds. Tuatara looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. It was a quality performance for American guard Josh Dilling (193-2001, college: NKU) who led the winners and scored 23 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. His fellow American import power forward Chris Johnson (211-1985, college: LSU, agency: Elevate Sports Alliance) accounted for 11 points and 16 rebounds for the winning side. Four Tuatara players scored in double figures. Power forward James Moors (208-2000, college: Colorado St.) came up with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 11 rebounds and American guard Brandon Stroud (198-2002, college: S.Florida) added 12 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 steals respectively for Airs in the defeat. The victory was the fifth consecutive win for Tuatara. They maintain first place with 10-2 record, which they share with Sharks. Airs lost their seventh game in a row. They keep the ninth position with eight games lost. They share it with Giants. Tuatara will meet at home Saints (#4) in the next round. Airs will play against Whai (#7) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Tuatara: D.Josh 23+5reb+5ast, D.Isaac 18+4reb+4ast, L.Robert 13+7reb+5ast, J.Chris 11+16reb, B.Sean 8+3reb+1ast, D.Wilkie 8+1reb
Airs: J.Moors 20+11reb+2ast, A.Cook 18+2reb+3ast, B.Stroud 12+8reb+6ast, X.Green 8+4reb+2ast, S.Taane 6+6reb+2ast, T.Riley 3

Saints - Nuggets 96-90

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 5th ranked Nuggets' (5-6) road loss to fourth ranked Saints (8-3) in Wellington 90-96 on Sunday. Saints made 23-of-26 free shots (88.5 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. It was an exceptional evening for American guard Elijah Pepper (193-2001, college: UC Davis) who led the winners and scored 33 points (!!!) and 6 rebounds. International Carlin Davison (197-2003) accounted for 15 points and 11 rebounds for the winning side. Australian-German forward Craig Moller (203-1994, agency: BIG) came up with a double-double by scoring 13 points, 14 rebounds and 5 assists and the former international swingman Ethan Rusbatch (196-1992, college: Lincoln Trail) added 23 points respectively for Nuggets in the defeat. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. The victory was the third consecutive win for Saints. Defending champion moved-up to third place, which they share with Rams. Nuggets lost their third game in a row. They keep the fifth position with six games lost. Saints will meet league's leader Tuatara in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Nuggets will play against Rams (#3) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Saints: P.Elijah 33+6reb+2ast, D.Carlin 15+11reb+3ast, L.Izayah 13+7ast, A.Aliir 13+8reb+2ast, H.Hyrum 10+9reb+8ast, J.Hunt 6+2reb
Nuggets: E.Rusbatch 23+3reb+2ast, B.Tuach 17+1reb+2ast, C.Moller 13+14reb+5ast, M.Isaac 11+3reb, A.Louis 10+1reb+9ast, T.Thata-Paese 8+2reb

Sharks - Bulls 86-75

Everything went according to plan when second ranked Sharks (10-2) defeated 6th ranked Bulls (5-7) in Southland 86-75 on Sunday. It was an exceptional evening for the former international power forward Samuel Timmins (211-1997, college: Washington) who led the winners and scored 12 points and 8 rebounds. American guard Caleb Asberry (191-2000, college: OK State) accounted for 17 points for the winning side. American guard Derrin Boyd (190-2000, college: Charleston, agency: One Motive Sports) came up with 26 points and 7 rebounds and the other American import guard Jace Carter (198-2003, college: Texas A&M) added 14 points and 18 rebounds respectively for Bulls in the defeat. Bulls' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. The victory was the ninth consecutive win for Sharks. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Tuatara. Loser Bulls keep the sixth place with seven games lost. Sharks will meet Giants (#9) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Bulls will play against Hawks in Tamatea and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Sharks: C.Tobias 18+2reb, A.Caleb 17+2reb+2ast, T.Samuel 12+8reb+3ast, B.Inger 11+1reb+1ast, D.Maxwell 10+2reb, T.Cooper 8+4reb+2ast
Bulls: D.Boyd 26+7reb+2ast, J.Carter 14+18reb+1ast, C.Whitt 13+2reb+7ast, R.Kael 9+6reb+3ast, K.Dominique 7+4reb+2ast, B.Ellis 4+1reb