Basketball: Sharks tipped to meet Giants in final

The Southland Sharks have won 14 consecutive games and shape as favourites to win their second National Basketball League title in Wellington this weekend. Basketball writer Adrian Seconi, who has been on light duties in the absence of the Otago Nuggets this season, looks at the semifinals.

 

SHARKS V RANGERS
Wellington, today, 3.30pm

Sigh. I suppose we have to be happy for the Southland Sharks.

That organisation down there has really got its act together.

Coach Paul Henare is the best going around and has extracted some clinical performances from his side.

The Sharks have won 14 games on the trot and beaten the Supercity Rangers in both round-robin fixtures.

Forward Tai Wesley is averaging 18.1 points and 9.4 rebounds, while Australian Todd Blanchfield is averaging an impressive 21.8 points a game.

Veteran guard Kevin Braswell loves a big game and is another key player in the line-up.

The Rangers, though, have more depth and the luxury of bringing on players such as Dillon Boucher and Tai Wynyard from the bench.

Jason Cadee is a match-winner and fresh from a 40-point haul against Taranaki.

Casey Frank is a mobile big man with much experience at helping his team win, while Reuben Te Rangi and Tom Garlepp have both averaged more than 20 points this season. Head coach Jeff Green is a crafty campaigner, too.

Tip: Sharks by two points in overtime.

 

GIANTS V SAINTS
Wellington, today, 5.30pm

Who to support?

The team that knocked the Otago Nuggets out of the playoffs in 2013 or the Wellington Saints, who seem to cry poverty every year but somehow always manage to compile a star-studded roster?

The Nelson Giants (13-5) have the better record but the Saints (12-6) won the regular-season fixtures between the two sides.

That said, the Saints have lost their past two matches and may be missing leading scorer Torrey Craig.

The talented American was sidelined with a knee injury last month and is still doubtful.

If Craig does not pull through, the Saints will lean on experienced point guard Lindsay Tait to carry more of the scoring load.

His match-up with Giants import McKenzie Moore could have a big impact on the outcome of the game.

The vastly experienced Phill Jones announced his retirement at the end of last season but has returned for another stint with the Giants.

His team-mate, forward Mika Vukona, looms large as another key figure.

Tip: Giants by 10 points.

Add a Comment