Logik Franklin Bulls (4-2, 6th) v Wheeler Motor Company Canterbury Rams (4-1, 1st)
The Bulls return their homecourt to host the top of the table Rams, but a win on their homecourt would bring the table toppers into a virtual 6 way tie at the top of the ladder. Will the return to the Stockyard lift the Bulls to victory or will the Rams grip on the top rung of the ladder strengthen as they extend their dominant 4 game winning streak?
When: Wednesday 9th April, Rapid League 6pm Sal's NBL 7pm
Where: Franklin Pool and Leisure Center, Pukekohe
Watch: Live in New Zealand on Sky Sport 1 | USA: ESPN3 | International: FIBA YouTube
Box score here
Last Time Out:
The Bulls Traveled to the capital and got jumped by the Saints for three quarters, highlighted by an anemic 8 point third quarter as Shaun Bruce (21pts, 6rbs, 5ast) drove the Saints offense to the lead. The fourth started much the same and after 4 scoreless minutes the bulls were down 27 points following a Hyrum Harris layup. But then the defense revived, and they were able to grind their way back into the game by scoring with 22 straight points behind the play of Tobias Cameron, Tae Hardy and Marcel Jones to cut the lead to 5 points. But the lead would prove too great and the Saints would limp home to the 78-69 victory.
Canterbury was in New Plymouth ready to take on the challenge presented by the Airs offense built on a unique mix of size and skill, and the opening frame of the game proved challenging indeed, but then the Rams defense got a bit stingier at the same time that the offense lifted as a collective, methodically turning what was a tight game into a 25 point blow out. The offense was balanced with five players scoring in double figures, led by Tama Isaac's 18, but the defense even more so as they allowed just 9% (2-21) shooting from deep as the Rams would claim the 87-71 victory.
What to Look for
The Bulls will be a different team, as Rueben Te Rangi departs and rumours of Ethan Rustbatch's arrival build, but that change may be what coach Gleim is looking for in an offense that has struggled from deep. The Bulls attempt and make the least amount of three's per game in the league (at 23.2 and and 7.2 respectively) and will simultaneously need to lift their production while limiting their oppositions production at the same time. They attack the glass well (2nd in defensive rebound rate and 3rd in offensive) but that has yet to morph into offensive efficiency. The lineup is still unsettled with the interchanging of players in the lineup leading to the highest foul count in the league but that is partially a product of a physically tough style that looks to make things difficult. David Okwera (11pts, 8rbs) and Till Gloger (12.7pts, 5.3rbs) will need to play while avoiding foul trouble to match the Rams front line if the Bulls are to have a chance.
The Rams have looked like a machine this season ever since losing the opening game of the year, especially defensively where the 86 points allowed to the Whai in the opener is the most anyone has tallied against them. The backcourt starts with Taylor Britt (19.6ppg, 6.2 apg) who sets the stage at both ends, pressuring ball handlers into mistakes defensively while balancing the calling of his own number with his distribution skills. But there are plenty of numbers to call with Tama Isaac, Max Darling, Kyle Bowen, Tohi Smith-Milner and Kaia Isaac all averaging double figures. And they still have yet to fully intergrate Walter Brown and now have 2nd import CJ Penha available. This is a team that can overwhelm you on both sides of the ball and is still adding pieces.
Small Sample Size Stats:
The Bulls sit 8th in scoring offense (84ppg) and 2nd in scoring defense (77.33ppg) while sitting 11th in assist/turnover ratio (.97 ratio). That comes from a turnover rate that ranks last (18%) that hasn't quite been balanced out by their 2nd best steal rate (11%). They have the lowest three point rate (33%) and third lowest free throw rate (24%). They control the glass well with a 79% defensive rebound rate (2nd in league) and 30% offensive rebounding rate (3rd) and their opponents shoot the lowest percentage in the league (40% field goal percentage defense) but the offense has the lowest 3-point rate in the league (33%).
The Rams have the 5th highest scoring offense (93.20ppg) and third best scoring defense (79.80ppg) giving them the best scoring margin in the league (+13.40). They have the 3rd highest 3-point field goal percentage (37%) and shoot threes at the 5th highest rate (41%). They sit 9th in defensive rebounding rate (72%) and the best offensive rebounding rate (31%). They have the leagues best offensive rating (120) and third best defensive rating (103)
Matchup to Watch: Flynn Cameron v Taylor Britt - Cameron has the physical tools that can make life for Britt very difficult on both ends but hasn't yet settled into the lineup yet, will today be the day? Britt has lifted his play from the All-Star 5 level he reached a season ago and sets the tone on both ends for the Rams, but if he finds freedom on offense while playing his expected level of D he and the Rams will be tough to overcome.
all advanced stats courtesy of spatialjam.com
