The Augusta Mountainairs have stunned the Taylor Hawks in overtime 90-84.
After having injury issues all season, Taranaki finally had their full squad which helped end their five game losing streak.
Alonzo Burton scored 26 points and Javonte Douglas had 25 points for the Airs who move to 3-8.
The Hawks led by as many as seven in the fourth quarter, but the Airs would go on a mini run to take a one point lead. The game could have gone either way in the closing minute when the scores were tied at 73 all. Everard Bartlett missed good look from three, which then gave the Airs a chance to hit the game winner. But a fall away midrange on the buzzer from Douglas would not hit the mark as the game would go into overtime.
In overtime, the Airs would start off with a 9-0 run which started with a dunk from Xavier Smith, a three point play by Douglas, a reverse layup by Roger Woods, and was capped off in emphatic fashion when the Airs forced a turnover which led to a two handed jam by Smith.
But Prewster would end the run with a three, and the Hawks would close to within two after Bartlett forced a turnover which then led to an Airs unsportsmanlike foul. This would give the Hawks two three throws plus the possession. Bartlett would make both from the line, but they were unable to score as Jarrod Kenny missed a corner three.
The Hawks would eventually tie the ball game with 1:10 left after Prewster made both free throws. But arguably the play of the game was a three from Smith to give the visitors the lead.
Smith would foul out on the next possession, and Prewster would make one of two to make it a two point ball game with 46 seconds to go.
Javonte Douglas would get fouled on a driving layup which he would make, but would air ball the free throw. Down by four, the Hawks had a sloppy turnover, then was forced to foul forward, Thane O’Leary, who would make both free throws which would be enough to claim the win.
The Hawks were without centre, Angus Brandt, who was on concussion protocol. Prewster led the Hawks with 19 points, Jamie Skeen added 18 and Jarrod Kenny would tally 18 points, nine rebounds and seven assists.
The loss now puts the Hawks to 6-6 and currently in fifth position.
They will be disappointed not to get the win after the fourth placed Wheeler Motor Canterbury Rams cruised to a 118-88 win over the Go Media Jets to go to 7-4.
Canterbury had a strong second quarter, outscoring the Jets 34-18 to lead by 21 points at halftime. Jets would win the third by two, but the Rams would then outscore them 33-22 to cruise to victory.
Tony Tolovae had a season high 26 points, Julian Williams-Washburn added 21, and Winston Shepard played more of a point forward role tonight, dishing out 14 assists to go with his 13 points and eight rebounds.
It was the usual suspects for the Jets with point guard Daishon Knight scoring 31 points, which included 15/18 from free throws. Kuran Iverson tallied 24 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists, and Brandon Lucas added 19 points. The loss is the Jets eighth in a row as they now drop to 1-11.
The two teams will face each other next Satrurday which will be the only game of the Sal’s NBL because of the international window which sees the Tall Blacks host Hong Kong and China.
Tomorrow, Round Nine concludes when the Airs travel up north to take on the 2 Cheap Cars Supercity Rangers.
Live Streamed games available at nznbl.basketball website, maoritelevision.com, tab.co.nz or at @NZNBL facebook page.
Week 9: Saturday, June 23
At Pettigrew Green Arena, Napier
Taylor Hawks 84 (Dion Prewster 19, Jarrod Kenny 18, Jamie Skeen 18)
Augusta Mountainairs 90 OT (Alonzo Burton 26, Javonte Douglas 26, Roger Woods 16)
Live Stats
At Cowles Stadium, Christchurch
The Wheeler Motor Canterbury Rams 118 (Tony Tolovae 27, Julian Williams-Washburn 21, Maxwell Darling 16)
Go Media Jets 88 (Daishon Knight 31, Kuran Iverson 24, Brandon Lucas 18)
Live Stats
Upcoming Game:
Sunday, June 24
At Trusts Arena, Waitakere
2 Cheap Cars Supercity Rangers (1-10) v Augusta Mountainairs (2-8)
Live Stats
Photo: www.photosport.nz
