Southland Sharks (2-4, 10th) v Mills Albert Wellington Saints (4-2, 3rd)
Southland returns to the Shark tank after breaking a 4 game slide hoping to continue their momentum and thrust themselves into the Final 6 picture with a win while the Saints hit the first leg of their Southern Swing having won two in a row in less than convincing fashion. Can the Saints win a game convincingly or will the door be left open for the Sharks to take the contest down the stretch?
When: Wednesday 9th April, Rapid League 6pm Sal's NBL 7pm
Where: ILT Stadium Southland, Invercargill
Watch: Live in New Zealand on Sky Sport 2 | USA: ESPN3 | International: FIBA YouTube
Box score here
Last Time Out:
The Sharks took a swim in the Indian Panthers new digs and looked like they might be out of depth when they went down by 5 in the 2nd quarter behind strong play around the basket by Aaron Blessen (24pts, 10-13 shooting) but the import trio would respond in the third, led by Keylon Boone's (24pts, 12rbs, 1sl, 3blk) 13 third quarter points as they changed a 2 point halftime deficit into a 13 point quarter time lead. All five starters would hit double figures and shoot 53% in the 96-79 win.
Wellington traveled up State Highway 1 to take on the Jets in their second game of the week and the home shot the lights out in the first half, draining 10 threes, but the Saints would respond with 4 three's of their own in the second quarter (two by Rangimarie Dougall-Mita) and after a Shaun Bruce layup with 2 seconds left the Saints had secured a 3 point halftime lead. That lead would ballon to 14 pints in the third, but the Jets would methodically work their way back into the game and after a Dontae Russo-Nance swipe and bucket with 6 seconds left the difference would be a single point. The Jets were hopeful for a last chance, but a brilliant Hyrum Harris (17pts, 17rbs, 9ast) tip on a rebound would see time run out on the home sides hopes of a miracle comeback, Saints winning 93-92.
What to Look for
When the Sharks take shots they are undoubtedly good looks (see small sample size stats for the numbers) but that efficiency is tempered by the second highest turnover rate in the league (18%, 15.33 turnovers per game). Josiah Allick (21.2ppg, 9.7rb) has a highwork rate on the interior but will be giving up size at times while Keylan Boone (20.2ppg, 7rb) has been on the upswing, making 10 threes in his last two games after making 6 in his first four, and if he is able to stretch the floor there will be more space for Caleb Asberry (14pts, 7.7ast) to find lanes for the finish or the dish. Alonzo Burton can be a game changer, but will need extra looks to really do damage.
The Saints will be welcoming Shea Ili into the fold for the first time this season, but his introduction to the lineup will likely be approached with caution, but joining a backcourt that features Izayah Le'afa (14.2pts, 6.2apg) and that still has Shaun Bruce(19.2pts, 6.2apg) in the lineup will have a depth of defensive and playmaking ability that will be tough for the Sharks to deal with. Nick Marshall (20.2pts, 6rbs) is the leading scorer, but this offense lifts the weight as a collective, searching out ways to bend the defense with penetration and kicks or quick swings of the ball. Hyrum Harris (15.7pts, 10.5rbs, 5.8ast) is the Saints heartbeat, driving activity on both sides of the court while forming a defensive backline of defense with Nick Muszynski (15.2pts, 8.5rbs, 2blks) that will need to stay out of foul trouble to keep the advantage.
Small Sample Size Stats:
The Sharks have the third highest free throw percentage (74%) second highest effective field goal percentage (57%), 3-point field goal percentage (37%), assist percentage (62%) and first in three point rate (46%). But they are second worst in turnover rate (16%), points allowed (96.83ppg), defensive rating (122) and last in free throw rate (20%).
The Saints have the best assist percentage (65%) and the fifth best turnover rate (13%) while playing the fourth slowest pace in the league. They are fourth in effective field goal percentage (55%), 7th in three point rate (40%) and first in three point percentage (37%) while being fourth in made three's (10.83pg). The rebounding has been average defensively (74% defensive rebound rate, 6th) but poor on the offensive end (24% offensive rebound rate, 11th)
Matchup to Watch: Keylan Boone (20.2ppg, 7rb) v Hyrum Harris (15.7ppg, 10.5rb, 5.8ast) - Boone has been on tear, hitting 10-21 threes over his last 2 games while averaging 29pts and 10rbs but he comes up against Harris, who is fresh off a 17pt, 17rb, 9ast performance that included a game sealing tip. If Boone shoots well he can pull Harris away from his role as a help side defender, opening the lane for Josiah Allick and Caleb Asberry, but if Harris is allowed to be the engine of activity for the Saints that will bode well for the team from the capital.
all advanced stats courtesy of spatialjam.com
