Game Preview: Panthers v Whai

Indian Panthers (0-3) v The Northern Group Tauranga Whai (3-1)

The Panthers are inching closer to the originally envisioned lineup and while still not close to full strength they have been able to play competitive basketball most games before eventually succumbing down the stretch. The Whai come to town with their disciplined brand of basketball and an impressive 3-1 record. Will the Panthers pull off the upset for their first win or will the Whai continue their surprising early season rise up the ladder.

When: Friday 28 March, Rapid League 6:30pm, Sal’s NBL 7:30pm
Where: Bruce Pulman Arena, Takanini
Watch: Live in New Zealand on Sky Sport 4 | USA: ESPN3 | International: FIBA YouTube | Livestream: Sky Sport NZ TikTok
Boxscore here

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Last Time Out:

Panthers – The Indian squad took a dip in the deep end against the Manawatū Jets and found out they weren’t quite ready for the waters as the Panthers gave up the high score of the season in a 122-77 defeat. Alex Robinson (23pts, 8rbs, 10ast) was valiant in defeat once again, with support from Jaylen Gerrand (15pts) but a lack of efficiency (35% fg, 17% 3pfg) put this one in the chilly bin early on as Miles Gibson (32pts, 17rbs, 4ast) and Corey Webster (28pts, 9rbs, 8ast) excelled.

Whai – Tauranga hosted Auckland in a back and forth affair which neither team led by more than 7 points. The Whai struggled from deep (11% 3pfg on 27 attempts) but stayed close enough to ride import guard Chris Jones down the stretch as his hot hand (26pts, 9rbs, 4ast, 3stls) and ability to get to the Chemist Warehouse stripe (9-13 ft’s) guided the team to a slim 78-76 victory. Talib Zanna hit a season scoring high (15pts) while Sean Bairstow (14pts, 8rbs, 3ast) played with more aggression to give the home squad the upper hand down the stretch.

What to Look for

The Panthers are yet to find consistency in play and aren’t close to a full strength roster but have been able to show a competitive streak despite the disadvantages the squad has met in the early season. Alex Robinson has been a shining light and Jaylen Gerrand has proven his Sal’s NBL wares but the defense has been sieve like, giving up 113 points per game (last in the league). The Panthers are focused on playing hard and being competitive but they need to find answers on the defensive end of the court to give themselves a chance to find the winners column. Robinson has the skills to blow by the first level of defense, but when the help comes the receiver of the next pass needs finish plays if the home team is to compete for all four quarters.

The Whai have bolted to the top of the ladder by playing solid defense in every outing and occasionally hitting their stride offensively. Chris Jones has been a consistent weapon, topping 25 points in 2 of 4 games and double figures in 3 of 4. Kruz Perott-Hunt has topped 25 twice with 3 of 4 in double figures as well , but in the other games was a combined 5-23 and if both are hitting their stride then so will the Whai. Up front Carter Hopoi has utilised his top level athleticism with more consistency while Talib Zanna and Sean Bairstow are coming off their best games

Small Sample Size Stats:

Panthers – The Panthers are parked firmly on struggle street sitting last in scoring offense (72.33ppg), Scoring defense (113.67ppg), Scoring Margin (-31ppg), Opponent Rebounding (54.67pg), rebounding margin (-14), and next to last in blocked shots (2pg). 3pfg% (27%), and Field Goal percentage (28%).

Whai – Tauranga has struggled to get the offense flowing (80.5ppg, 11th in league) but first in scoring defense (73.25ppg) delivering a +7.25 ppg scoring margin. They are 2nd in the league from the stripe (82%) but only 40% from the floor (9th) but third in field goal percentage defense (40%). They are last in 3pfg% (27%) but 2nd in 3pfg% defense (25%).

Matchup to Watch: Alex Robinson v Chris Jones – Robinson will bring his handle and quickness based game up against the strength of Jones in a battle of contrasting but effective styles.