Steelformers Taranaki Airs (1-0) v Property Broker Manawatū Jets (0-1)
Mad March continues with the seventh straight day of consecutive basketball as the Airs host the Jets for both teams second game of the year as Taranaki returns to New Plymouth for their home opener. Will the Airs get propelled by their double overtime victory or will the Jets be able to find their form defensively and steal the road win?
When: Tuesday 18 March, Rapid League 6pm, Sal's NBL 7pm
Where: TSB Stadium, New Plymouth
Watch: Live on Sky Sport 3 | USA: ESPN3 |International: FIBA YouTube
Boxscore found here
Last Time Out:
Taranaki comes off a double overtime thriller on the road against a rival Wellington side that was played just two days ago and took every bit of energy the Airs had available early in season. But the were able to come away with the victory (115-110) behind a star making turn from Carlin Davison (36pts, 4ast, 5stls, 1blk) where he carried the scoring load in the first half before fouling out allowing for Harry Froling's storybook return to the court led the squad home down the stretch (32pts, 12rbs, 2ast) in a game where all 5 starters hit double figures but only 7 totals players scored.
The Jets looked to be taking control in their season opener on the road at Hawke's Bay when they held a 6-point halftime lead. But they were unable to slow down the duo of Jackson Ball and Darnell Cowart and a third quarter swoon would put a fourth quarter comeback out of reach as they went down 103-100. Corey Webster (32pts, 6rbs, 4ast) and Dontae Russo-Nance (25pts, 6rbs, 3ast) starred while Miles Gibson (25pts, 4rb) played the whole 40 minutes. But an inability to hit the deep ball (5-25 3pfg) would be too much to overcome in the end.
What to Watch For:
The Airs will be looking to play through Carlin Davison and Harry Froling once again after the pair combined for 68 points and carried the offensive load but will also try to get Owen Foxwell more opportunities to push the pace against a Jets team that only had 6 players play 10 minutes or more. The Jets will look to pick up the defense inside the 3 point arc after allowing the Hawks to hit 71% of shots from the area while also aiming to create better opportunities from deep after hitting just 1 of every 5 from deep. The Airs look to be relentless on the glass so the Jets will need to rebound as a collective to keep the second chance points in check and may need to pack the paint to slow down the interior attack.
Small Sample Size Stats:
Airs- 45% Free Throw Rate (1st in league), 42% 3point Rate (4th) 79% Defensive Rebound rate (3rd)
Jets- 53% Effective Field Goal Percentage (4th), 10% Turnover rate (best), 44% assist rate (10th)
Matchup to Watch: Owen Foxwell v Corey Webster
