NBL Round 8: Hawks defeat Nuggets

Ira Lee

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most surprising game was another loss of top-ranked Nuggets (7-2) in Dunedin on Friday night. Hosts were edged by seventh ranked Hawks (5-6) 95-94. Hawks dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to Nuggets' 38. Hawks forced 19 Nuggets turnovers and outrebounded them 39-27 including 26 on the defensive glass. American forward Ira Lee (203-1998, college: Arizona) saved the victory with a double-double by scoring 24 points and 11 rebounds. The former international forward Hyrum Harris (198-1996, college: Umpqua CC) contributed with 14 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners. Australian guard Michael Harris (193-1999) replied with 31 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists for Nuggets. Nuggets' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Hawks moved-up to fifth place. Defending champion Nuggets still keep top position with two games lost. Hawks are looking forward to face higher ranked Rams (#3) in Christchurch in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Nuggets will play on the road against Sharks in Southland and are hoping to win this game.
Very important is a road loss of second ranked Rams (7-3) against eighth ranked Saints (4-5) on Saturday night. Visiting Rams were defeated by Saints in a tough game in Wellington 84-91. Worth to mention a great performance of Australian guard Kyle Adnam (186-1993) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 21 points and 10 assists and Isaiah Mucius who added 24 points and 5 rebounds during the contest. American guard Tevin Brown (196-1998, college: Murray St.) responded with 24 points and 7 rebounds. Saints moved-up to sixth place. Rams at the other side keep the second position with three games lost. They share it with Tuatara. Saints will play against bottom-ranked Airs (#10) in New Plymouth in the next round. Rams will play at home against Hawks (#5) and hope to get back on the winning track.
The game in Palmerston North was also quite interesting. Third ranked Huskies (7-3) played at the court of 8th ranked Jets (3-6). Huskies managed to secure a 6-point victory 104-98 on Sunday. The winners were led by Robert Loe who had that evening a double-double by scoring 25 points and 11 rebounds. Even 31 points and 7 assists by Javion Blake did not help to save the game for Jets. Jets' coach tested ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Huskies have a solid four-game winning streak. They moved-up to second place, which they share with Rams. Jets lost third consecutive game. They keep the eighth position with six games lost. Huskies will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Jets will play against Bulls (#4) in Pukekohe and hope to secure a win.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 8: Rams smashed Airs on the road 103-74. Sharks were destroyed by Hawks on its own court 87-106. Giants unfortunately lost to Bulls in Pukekohe 70-81.
The most impressive performance of 8th round was 22 points and 11 rebounds by Matur Maker of Giants.