The Mike Pero Nelson Giants have made it two from two at home as they get a gritty 103-100 win over the SIT Zerofees Sharks.
After a relatively subdued outing the week before, Giants point guard Kyle Adnam has exploded for 32 points and 14 assists, also making the final two free throws to seal the victory.
Nelson were leading by six with under two minutes remaining, but six straight free throws from Jarrad Weeks tied the ball game at 98 apiece. It looked like the Sharks might sneak away with the win when shooting guard Damon Heuir (24 points) committed his fifth foul. But captain, Sam Dempster, hit a huge three to put the Giants up 103-100.
The Sharks did have another opportunity to tie the game, but forward Connor Morgan was unable to convert the three.
Southland did have a quick start to the contest, leading by 11 by quarter time. But a massive 14-2 run in the second thanks to Finn Delany put Nelson up 46-49. Delany scored 18 of his 25 by halftime
The Sharks only managed 11 in the second period but behind Morgan they would score 29 in the third. The Canadian international scored 14 consecutive points, setting up what would be an intriguing fourth quarter.
The defense would not tighten up for either side in the final period, the Giants outscoring the Sharks 34-32.
Morgan had score a team high 23 points, Weeks added 21, and Alex Pledger had 18 despite only playing 22 minutes. Sharks small forward, Orlando Coleman, would be contained tonight with only six points on 3/11 shooting.
Tomorrow, Round Two of the Sal’s NBL concludes when the 2 Cheap Cars Supercity Rangers host the Cigna Saints, both teams searching for their first win.
Saturday, May 5
At Trafalgar Centre, Nelson
Mike Pero Nelson Giants 103 (Kyle Adnam 32, Finn Delany 25, Damon Heuir 24)
SIT Zerofees Sharks 100 (Conor Morgan 23, Jarrad Weeks 21, Alex Pledger 18)
Live Stats
Photo: www.photosport.nz
