Property Brokers Manawatū Jets (2-2, 5th) v Mills Albert Wellington Saints (3-2, 4th)
The Jets host their first home game of the year having doubled last years win total and sitting in 5th spot with the 2nd leading scorer in the league while the Saints have overwhelmed teams at times but have yet to really get going, could this be the game?
When: Sunday 6th April, Rapid League 3pm, Sal's NBL 4pm
Where: Fly Palmy Arena, Palmerston North
Watch: Live in New Zealand on Sky Open and Sport 5 | USA: ESPN3 | International: FIBA YouTube
Box score here
Last Time Out:
The Jets stepped out without Corey Webster on the second half of their southern swing and looked in dire straits when they were down 5 late in the third quarter but Dontae Russo-Nance (35pts, 5rbs, 4ast) would have a career night as he answered the door every time the Sharks came knocking, securing an 88-85 victory. Miles Gibson gave great support (24pts, 8rbs, 2ast) as did Tautoko Wynyard (6pts, 4rbs) in a late cameo as the Jets overcame a 40-minute effort from Josiah Allick (29pts, 12rbs) to split their trip down south.
The Saints built what looked like an insurmountable 27 point lead with 6 minutes and 15 seconds left in the game as Shaun Bruce (21pts, 6rbs, 5ast) powered the offense and Hyrum Harris (15pts, 6rbs, 5ast, 5stls, 1blk) the D. But suddenly the Saints looked very-much surmountable as the Bulls charged back into sight, as they scored 22 straight points to cut the lead down to 5 with 18 seconds remaining. But in the end the Saints would hold on for the 78-72 win despite the best efforts of a spirited Bulls defensive effort led by Tobias Cameron and Tae Hardy down the stretch.
What to Look for
The Jets feature the top scoring offense in the league (101.4ppg) but have similarly struggled with defense at times, giving up 91.4ppg (5th most). Miles Gibson (25.4ppg 9.6rpg) has proven a versatile piece that provide scoring when his number is called or off hustle. Corey Webster (27.5ppg) is second in the league in scoring and Russo-Nance exploded when he was handed the reigns in his backcourt mates absence. Kenny Goins (10.5ppg, 7.5rpg) will have to do the heavy lifting on the interior but the addition of Isaac Miller-Jose will lift the interior presence that has leaned heavily on Eric Williams Jr's athleticism to chip in on the defensive rebounds.
The Saints have a powerful starting unit that can put immense pressure on both ends of the court with the, but only entrust a 6 player rotation with playing time as they await Shea Ili's return. That lack of depth hurt them down the stretch against the Bulls and it's not every game that they will have a cushion to play with. The offense has been powerful (sitting third overall with 97ppg) but the defense has been too porous at times, especially against teams with size (such as the Airs and Rams). Izayah Le'afa (29% 3pfg) has yet to hit his stride with the jumper but when he does the offense will reach a different level. Nick Muszynski (14.6ppg, 8.2rpg, 2.4bpg) and Hyrum Harris (15.4ppg, 9.2rpg, 5.2apg) are the backbone of the D, but have struggled against elite size.
Small Sample Size Stats:
The Jets have the lowest turnover rate in the league (9%) but that is tempered by their 52% assist rate (2nd lowest in league) and they have the 9th best free throw rate (26%) and the third lowest 3 point rate (36%) and the third best offensive rate (116).
The Saints boast the second highest assist percentage (65%), 3rd highest free throw rate (31%) but have the worst offensive rebounding rate (21%) in the league. They have the 2nd best offensive rating (116) their opponents have the second highest three point rate (44%) and third lowest free throw rate (23%).
Matchup to Watch: Eric Williams Jr v Hyrum Harris - two powerhouse forwards whose effort and athleticism charge their teams to success and are sorely missed when not in full effect.
all advanced stats courtesy of spatialjam.com
