NBL Round 6 of Regular Season

Jamaal Brantley

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most interesting game of round 6 in the NBL was a home defeat of 5th ranked Jets (3-4) to fourth ranked Bulls (4-3) 93-86. American forward Jamaal Brantley (198-1993, college: Cameron) scored 25 points and 8 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and forward Dominique Kelman-Poto (196-1994, college: Adelphi) chipped in 18 points and 9 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) during the contest. The best for the losing side was American guard Mustapha Heron (196-1997, college: St.John's) with 22 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Jets' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Bulls moved-up to third place, which they share with Tuatara. Jets at the other side keep the fifth position with four games lost. They share it with Sharks. Bulls is looking forward to face Airs (#8) in New Plymouth in the next round where they are favorite. Jets will play at home against Sharks and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Very important is a home loss of third ranked Sharks (3-4) against ninth ranked Giants (2-6) on Friday night. Host Sharks were defeated by Giants in Southland 97-83. American point guard Avery Woodson (188-1993, college: Butler) notched 22 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists to lead the effort and Matur Maker supported him with 23 points and 11 rebounds (went 11 for 11 at the free throw line !!!). Even 26 points by American guard Jeremy Kendle (186-1988, college: Bellarmine) did not help to save the game for Sharks. Sharks' coach tested eleven players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Despite that victory Giants went down to tenth position due to points difference. Sharks at the other side dropped to the fifth place with four games lost. They share the position with Jets. Giants will play against higher ranked Hawks (#7) in Tamatea in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Sharks will play on the road against Saints in Wellington and hope to get back on the winning track.
NBL top team - Nuggets (7-0) managed to deliver another win on Saturday. This time they beat eighth ranked Saints (2-5) in Dunedin 103-94. The best player for the winners was Jaquori McLaughlin who scored 31 points and 8 assists (went 8 for 8 at the free throw line). Nuggets' coach used an eleven-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. At the other side the best for losing team was Thomas Vodanovich who recorded 29 points and 7 rebounds. Undefeated Nuggets have an impressive seven-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position with 7-0 record. Loser Saints keep the eighth place with five games lost. They share the position with Airs. Nuggets will meet at home Huskies (#4) in the next round. Saints will play against Sharks (#5) and hope to secure a win.

There were no shocking results in the other games in round 6: Hawks won against Airs on the opponent's court 102-93. Tuatara outscored Hawks in a home game 106-75. Giants recorded a loss to Rams on the road 82-74.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 26 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists by Tevin Brown of Rams.