Supercity Rangers vs Manawatu Jets - Thursday @ Trust Arena at 7:35pm
Broadcast: live on SKY Sports and Prime TV from 7:30pm
Game Preview
Could this be the battle for the wooden spoon? It hasn't been a winning season for either the Rangers or Jets, but each team has shown some exceptional play in patches and they will be hoping to bring their best to this clash. This dose of Thursday Night lights is all about pride - and avoiding the bottom rung of the ladder. Tim Quarterman and Venky Jois continue to form the backbone for the Rangers and will need to again deliver big numbers, while for the Jets the form of Daishon Knight and Wally Elllenson will be called upon again. Kuran Iverson missed last week’s game and is expected back for this one, making for a big inclusion.
RANGERS
Starting 5
1. Tim Quarterman (guard)
9. Lesae Coe (guard)
19. Denhym Brooke (forward)
55. Venky Jois (forward)
32. Nnanna Egwu (forward)
Bench
5. Randall Bishop (guard) *Questionable
13. Mikaere Watene (guard/forward)
20. Scott Telfer (forward)
6. Jaylen Gerrand (guard)
46. Reuben Fitzgerald (guard)
15. Nick Barrow (forward)
8. Nick Brophy (guard)
Coach: Jeff Green
Assistant: Anthony Keung
Assistant: Greg Elliott
Manager: Auatua Pamatatau
From The Coach – Jeff Green
Bottom of the table clashes are always an interesting game. Neither team wants the “wooden spoon” so both teams give it their all. This game vs the Jets will be no different. The Jets have played well in the last few weeks. They play a lot like us in that they play well in spurts but in the end not for enough minutes. Whoever plays good basketball for the longest will win. Added to the drama is it’s a SKY Sports game so both teams will be looking to impress.
JETS
Starting 5
10. Jackson Stubbins (guard)
40. Daishon Knight (guard)
3. Wally Ellenson (guard/forward)
31. Kuran Iverson (forward)
50. Shane Temara (forward/centre)
Bench
5. Taane Samuel (forward)
15. Troy Temara (forward/centre)
Tia Temata-Frost
4. Haize Walker (guard)
Jake McKinlay
Coach: Tim McTamney
Assistant: Terry Tanoa
Assistant: Josh Reeves
Manager: Jason Pearn
From The Coach – Tim McTamney
We were disappointed with fading in the 4th quarter against Saints on Sunday. To lead at half-time and be within striking distance at three quarter time was a credit to my young team. However, close enough is never enough, and we will be looking to produce two full 40 minute efforts this week, starting with the Rangers this Thursday night in Auckland and then home for a Sunday clash with the improving Giants. It promises to be a busy week of basketball.
