NBL Round 1 of Semi-Finals. Sharks and Saints enter Final

Rams - Sharks 82-101

Sharks dominated down low during the game scoring 54 of its points in the paint compared to Rams' 32. They outrebounded Rams 45-28 including a 33-17 advantage in defensive rebounds. Sharks shot the lights out from three sinking 14 long-distance shots on high 53.8 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Sharks made 7 blocks. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Josiah Allick (203-2001, college: Nebraska) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 21 points and 15 rebounds. His fellow American import guard Caleb Asberry (191-2000, college: OK State) contributed with 19 points and 9 assists for the winners. Australian guard Sean Macdonald (188-2000) answered with 23 points and 7 assists and international guard Taylor Britt (188-1996, college: Southeast CC) added 13 points and 6 assists in the effort for Rams. Five Sharks and four Rams players scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Sharks: J.Allick 21+15reb+3ast, C.Asberry 19+4reb+9ast, K.Boone 18+10reb+1ast, T.Cooper 16+2reb+2ast, S.Timmins 11+5reb+3ast, A.Burton 9+2ast
Rams: S.Macdonald 23+3reb+7ast, M.Darling 15+2reb, T.Britt 13+1reb+6ast, W.Brown 12+5reb+2ast, K.Isaac 8+4reb+3ast, K.Bowen 7+4reb+4ast

Saints - Whai 93-68

Saints players were unselfish on offense dishing 28 assists comparing to just 13 passes made by Tauranga's players. Australian swingman Nick Marshall (198-1999, college: Clarke) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 22 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners and the former international forward Hyrum Harris (204-1996, college: Umpqua CC) chipped in 20 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field). Saints' coach Aaron Young felt very confident that he used 11 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. At the losing side the former international guard Kruz Perrott-Hunt (191-2000, college: S.Dakota) responded with 15 points and 6 assists and the former international forward Carter Hopoi (207-2006) scored 10 points and 8 rebounds. Five Saints and four Tauranga players scored in double figures.
Top scorers:
Saints: N.Marshall 22+11reb+6ast, H.Harris 20+6reb+4ast, J.Ngatai 16+3reb, N.Muszynski 15+8reb+2ast, S.Bruce 12+3reb+4ast, S.Gold 4+5reb+1ast
Whai: K.Perrott-Hunt 15+2reb+6ast, M.King 13+1reb+1ast, J.Bezzant 12+1reb+1ast, A.Rissetto 11+7reb, C.Hopoi 10+8reb+2ast, S.Bairstow 5+8reb+3ast