Steelformers Taranaki Airs (3-1) v Wheeler Motor Company Canterbury Rams (3-1)
A rematch of last years classic double overtime semi final between two powerhouse teams with championship calibre is the first game of April where two top flight teams will test each other out with a spot at the top of the ladder on the line. Will the Airs be able to defend their homecourt or can the Rams continue their march up the ladder after an opening game wobble.
When: Wednesday 2 April, Rapid League 6pm, Sal's NBL pm
Where: TSB Stadium, New Plymouth
Watch: Live in New Zealand on Sky Sport 2 | USA: ESPN3 | International: FIBA YouTube
Box score here
Last Time Out:
Taranaki- The Airs hosted the Hawks and jumped on them from the opening tip, grabbing a 10 point lead in the first quarter that would balloon to 30 by halftime. Carlin Davison dropped the first triple double (15pts, 11rbs, 10ast) of the season while Jack Andrew (21pts, 12rbs, 3blks) and Harry Froling (19pts, 11rbs) dominated the interior to the tune of a 57-34 rebound advantage as six players reached double figures during the 114-88 victory.
Canterbury- The Rams hosted the Saints in a highly anticipated match up and jumped on the visitors behind 10 first quarter Max Darling points to take a commanding 33-19 first quarter lead. The Saints would steady and hold serve in the second quarter as all five starters hit double figures, led by Nick Marshall's 20, but the class of Taylor Britt (26pts, 4 rbs, 6ast) and the continued emergence of Tama Isaac (21pts, 3rbs, 3ast) combined with a 47-35 rebound advantage that included 15 on the offensive end that helped the home team take 18 more shots en route to a 99-81 win.
What to Look for
This will be a test of strength against strength when two of the most formidable sets of bigs in the competition come together to tip off Amped April. Harry Froling, Jack Andrew and Carlin Davison are possibly the biggest frontline in the league spearheading a rebounding attack that leads the league in defensive rebounding percentage (80%) while ranking second in offensive rebounding percentage (32%). The Airs utilise that strength to bully their way to the Chemist Warehouse stripe, which they reach at the leagues second best rate (35%). The offense is focused on the interior and because of that have the second lowest 3 point rate (33%) in the competition. Owen Foxwell is tremendous out of the pick in roll while Armon Fletcher is coming off his best game of the year. The bench is settling into their roles but the bulk of the offense is the responsibility of the starting group.
The Rams won't take a step back up front with Tohi Smith-Milner, Kyle Bowen and Max Darling having more than enough size and strength to tussle with the Airs but with their shooting ability pulling the Airs bigs from the paint they may be able to temper the size differential back to their favour. Walter Brown is expected to return to availability, offering one of the few frames and defensive toolsets in the league that may be able to slow down Carlin Davison while doing some damage of his own. The depth of guard play gives advantage to the Rams, with the starting pair of Taylor Britt and Kaia Isaac offering balance on both sides of the ball while Tama Isaac's strong defensive presence has recently been joined by his emerging jump shot (43% 3pfg on 21 attempts) which bends the geometry of the court even further. Canterbury's deep bench has offered coverage when needed with Sam Smith ((5-6 3pfg @ 83%), and the Cate brothers, Ihaka and Tawhiri, proving capable in spot duty.
This will be a test of strength against strength, when to early season powerhouses matching up the winner will be sending a resounding message to the rest of the league about who will have the upper hand as we close in on the quarter mark of the season.
Small Sample Size Stats:
Airs - First in the league in scoring offense (103.75ppg) and second in field goal percentage defense (40%). Average the most rebounds per game (53) and enjoy the leagues highest rebound margin (+10.25 per game), most offensive rebounds (13.75) while also leading the league in steals (9.75 steals) giving them the upper hand in the possession game. The second lowest three point rate in the league (33%) and 3rd worst free throw percentage (66%) could cause problems in a close game down the stretch.
Rams- Fourth in scoring offense (94.75ppg) and third in scoring defense (82 ppg) while sitting fourth in defensive field goal percentage. First in three point percentage (36%) and second in overall field goal percentage (49%) and allowing the second fewest rebounds to opponents (37) while sitting first in offensive rebound percentage (34%). Third in rebound margin (+5.25) and steals (9.25 per game)
Matchup to Watch:
Harry Froling v Tohi Smith Milner - Two bigs who do it in different ways, Froling with his low post scoring working off a soft touch and superior footwork and the quick release trey ball of Smith-Milner that will force his opponent away from the paint.
Carlin Davison v Walter Brown- Davison is putting together an all star 5 season on offense while adding to his game on the defensive end. Brown always gets the tough defensive assignments but has yet to see the court this season (less than 9 minutes of court time) so may be a bit underdone.
Owen Foxwell v Taylor Britt - Foxwell leads the league in assists (9.67) and has been slicing through defenses with the pass out of the pick and roll but also has the ability to score in bunches forcing defenses to pick their poison. Britt has been picking his spots early in the season but is still dropping 21.8ppg while dishing 4.5 assists.
Advanced stats courtesy of spatialjam.com
