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Jets blast Huskies off the court in bounce-back victory

The Property Brokers See Me Media Manawatu Jets recorded their first win in the 2020 Sal’s NBL Showdown, dismantling the Auckland Huskies 95-67.

It was a night to remember for Tall Blacks forward Tom Vodanovich, who totalled 38 points and knocked down a career-high 10 three-pointers at a stunning 71% (10/14).

Hyrum Harris was also impressive hauling in 21 rebounds, whilst also adding 13 points, six assists and four steals.

The Jets supporting cast could also take a bow. Jayden Bezzant (17 points and five assists), Haize Walker (11 points) and Taane Samuels (seven points and four rebounds).

Taine Murray was the best for a disappointing Huskies outfit with 16 points.

In the opening exchanges, Vodanovich showed a glimpse of what was to come as he knocked down his first four shots as the Jets forged a 16-8 lead, extended to 23-13 at quarter time. One startling fact from the quarter was that Hyrum Harris corralled nine rebounds in nine minutes.

The warning lights were flashing for the Huskies when the Jets scored the first nine points of the second stanza, with Walker doing most of the damage.

The Jets lead ballooned to over twenty points midway through the second period and finished 54-21 ahead at the interval.

The half-time stats highlighted a stark contrast in the shooting form of the two teams. The Jets were a turbocharged 60% (22/37) from the field, whilst in comparison, the Huskies were a chilly 25% (8/32).

Things improved marginally for the Huskies in the third, but the game was over as a contest at the final break – the Jets ahead 73-44.

With a taxing schedule ahead, both teams gave extended minutes to their bench players in the fourth quarter.

The Huskies will have a short turnaround before facing the Franklin Bulls in the ‘Battle of the North’ on Sunday. The game could mark the debut of former Sacramento State University standout Izayah Mauriahooho-Le'afa. That game tips-off at 5:30pm, with a big crowd expected for the local derby.

GAME HIGHLIGHTS HERE. 

Final score:

• Jets 95 – Vodanovich 38pts & 103PT, Harris 13pts. 21rbs & 6ast, Bezzant 17pts.
• Huskies 67 – Murray 16pts, Gerrand 10pts, Williams-Dunn 8pts.

Talking Points

1. Could Jayden Bezzant repeat his outstanding form from the Jets opening game? He played well but it was Vodanovich’s night.
2. Young Nate Wilson had an eye-catching debut for the Huskies against the Rams – could the youngster do the same again. The game didn’t go his way tonight but he still managed five points, three rebounds and two steals in 15 minutes of action
3. Would it be Jets Coach Tim McTamney or Huskies mentor Kevin Braswell that got their first win of the Sal’s NBL Showdown? It was no contest, Braswell’s Huskies outplayed from start to finish.

Sky City MVP Votes: 

Tom Vodanovich (Jets – 10), Harris (Jets – 7), Murray (Huskies – 5), Bezzant (Jets- 4), Haize Walker (Jets – 2), Leon Henry (Huskies – 1), Nate Wilson (Huskies 1)