Logik Franklin Bulls (3-0) v Big Barrel Hawks (2-1)
The Bulls have been suffocation opponents with their tough defense but may have figured out their offense after finding their highest score of the season and sit atop the ladder with 3 wins on the trot. The Hawks will need to find a way to counter the depth of their opponent while touching down on the road for the first time this season.
When: Saturday 23 March, Rapid League 12pm, Sal's NBL 1pm
Where: Franklin Pool and Leisure Centre
Watch: Live on | New Zealand: Sky Sport 2 | USA: ESPN3 | International: FIBA YouTube
Boxscore here
Last Time Out:
The Bulls traveled North Friday night to visit the Panthers for their home opener and were pushed for 40 minutes before securing a 14 point victory 107-94. Te Hardy (21pts, 9ast, 2stl), Reuben Te-Rangi (21pts, 3rbs, 5ast) and David Okwera (20pts, 7rbs, 3ast) leading the way for the Bulls. The Panthers would be down double digits most of the game before Alex Robinson (23pts, 7rbs 5ast) and Jaylen Gerrand (29pts) cut the lead down to 7 in the 4th quarter before a Bulls flurry would secure the win.
The Hawks were in the Nest Friday night for the 3rd straight game, this time hosting winless Otago, but the Nuggets jumped out of the gate to a double digit lead in the opening quarter behind the strong play of Don Carey Jr (34pts, 5rbs, 3ast) and Jose Perez (20pts, 9rbs, 9ast). Darnell Cowart (24pts, 10rbs, 3ast), Jackson Ball (19pts, 5ast) and Campbell Scott (19pts, 4rbs, 4ast) would drive the Hawks back in the game to whittle the lead down to 2 points in the fourth, but the Nuggets would hold on long enough to secure the 93-86 win.
What to Watch For:
The Bulls found some form offensively by getting out on the break against the Panthers and will look to do the same against the Hawks. Hardy, Te Rangi and Tobais Cameron will look to introduce their physical brand of defense while containing the young backcourt of the Hawks while Okwera and Til Gloger use their size to secure deep post catches while attacking the offensive glass. The depth of the Bulls should give the chance for Coach Gleim to rotate players while trying to wear down a young Hawks squad still awaiting their final pieces.
The Hawks will look to find their winning ways by having the starters taking better care of the rock (13 turnovers v Nuggets) and giving a concerted effort to attack the paint to create more opportunities at the Chemist Warehouse Stripe, after hitting just 8 of 14 attempts last time out. Jackson Ball and Darnell Cowart will expect to face the brunt of the Bulls defensive efforts so the second side of the offense will need to punish the Bulls for giving those players extra attention.
Small Sample Size Stats:
Bulls - The offensive ceiling is hampered 17% turnover rate (second worst in the league) and the 2nd lowest free throw rate (22%) and the lowest 3 point rate in the league (31%). The defense is stout at the rim ( 14% block rate, 1st in league) and on the perimeter (11% steal rate, 6th in league) while taking defensive rebounds at the 2nd best rate (77%)
Hawks - The Hawks have the most efficient offense in the league (61% effective field goal) when they shoot the rock but have the 4th highest turnover rate (16%) and struggle to create extra possessions with the 3rd lowest steal rate (6%).
Matchup to Watch: Te Hardy v Jackson Ball- Hardy has offered steady production on the offensive end but his tenacious defense sets the tone for the Bulls as he pressures lead ball handlers up and down the court. Ball will need to take on the challenge and find ways to create scoring opportunities for his teammates and himself to put the Hawks in position to take this game on the road.
