Night 'n Day Otago Nuggets (2-10, 11th) v Big Barrel Hawks (6-6, 6th)
The Nuggets are down on talent but not down on effort as they look to end a 8 game skid on their home court. But standing in the way of their desperately needed win is a Hawks team that has taken 3 out of it's last 4 games and while winning 2 straight on the road. Will they continue their winning ways or will the Nuggets find their form and back in the winning ledger.
When: Saturday 24th May, Rapid League 6:30pm, Sal's NBL 7:30pm
Where: Edgar Centre, Dunedin
Watch: Live in New Zealand on Sky Sport 5 | USA: ESPN3 | International: FIBA YouTube |
Last Time Out:
The Southern Stoush closed the round with plenty of intrigue — the Nuggets were down an import, while the Sharks finally rolled out a full squad with Sam Timmins debuting. Despite Timmins’ rust, the Nuggets came out strong behind Mac Stodart and Jono Janssen (21pts, 10rbs). Keylan Boone (31pts, 7 threes) and rebounding machine Josiah Allick (12pts, 19rbs, 14 offensive) kept the Sharks in it, with Don Carey Jr (26pts, 9ast) tying it up before halftime. The game stayed tight until the fourth, when Caleb Asberry (26pts, 14 in the 4th) and Boone powered a late surge to give the Sharks a 91-80 win.
The Hawks picked up a crucial 97–90 win in Invercargill, led by Daniel Grida’s 31-point, 10 rebound double-double. Wani Swaka Lo Buluk added 23, while Jackson Ball chipped in chipped in 21 with 13 in crucial 4th quarter performance, as the visitors held off a late Sharks push. The Sharks going down despite 30 from Sam Timmins and 16 point 11 rebounds from Keylan Boone, as the Hawks’ poise down the stretch proved the difference as they stopped their skid at 1 loss to stay firmly in the finals hunt.
What to Expect:
The Nuggets continue their season with a two import lineup and will need to lift as a collective, especially on the interior where Jono Janssen is being asked to carry a much heavier load than earlier in the season. The offense will go as far as Don Carey Jr can carry it, and his production out of the on-ball and with off the dribble shooting will need to be spot on to keep the Nuggets offense flowing. Jaylen Sebree has had some big games, but coming off a 1-10 night from deep he may need to adjust his shot diet and look for a bit more activity at the basket especially coming of back to back games with zero free throw attempts. Josh Aitcheson and Patrick Freeman round out the starting lineup but will share the minutes load with Matthew Bardsley, Darcy Knox, Mac Stodart and Caleb Smiler.
The Hawks will be coming in on a high, following a come from behind victory in the first outing of the Southern Swing where the squad played it's best basketball down the stretch of the game. Dan Grida is still the engine for the offense and his effort in transition is undeniable. Jackson Ball closed the fourth quarter in their last outing like a 10-year vet and his poise under pressure will be key once again. Darnell Cowart returned and the rust was evident, but that didn't keep him from hitting a huge triple down the stretch and there was no rust on his strength in the post which was sorely missed. Yates continues to be the foundation of the rebounding attack on both ends and has proven a quality finisher when his teammates set him up. Wani Swaka Lo Buluk is a key cog defensively but lets the offense come to him on the other end of the court where a bit more aggression wouldn't go astray. A young core of depth (Scott, Kara, Murphy, Treacher) all have the ability to contribute in spots or for longer stretches, a testament to the coaching staff for keeping them ready while anticipating opportunities.
Matchup to Watch: Don Carey Jr v Jackson Ball - The matchup of the pg's with great size will be key for both squads. If Carey Jr can't find his flow offensively it will be a long night for the Nuggets, but if he is able to impose himself on the game while limiting the young Ball's impact the home team may be on its way to a much needed upset win.
Stats that Might Matter:
| Stat | Nuggets | Hawks |
| Scoring Offense | 89.31 (8th) | 91.54 (5th) |
| Scoring Defense | 96.31 (last) | 91.46 (5th) |
| Effective Field Goal % | 50% (9th) | 54% (4th) |
| Field Goal % Defense | 49% (last) | 44% (4th) |
| Free Throw Rate | 29% (5th) | 34% (2nd) |
| Free Throw % | 66% (last) | 74% (3rd) |
| Three Point Rate | 46% (1st) | 39% (7th) |
| Three Point % | 34% (4th) | 31% (10th) |
| Turnover Rate | 12% (4th) | 14% (4th) |
| Assist Rate | 60% (5th) | 54% (9th) |
| Offensive Rebound Rate | 26% (7th) | 23% (last) |
| Defensive Rebound Rate | 72% (10th) | 72% (8th) |
| Block Rate | 5% (last) | 5% (10th) |
| Steal Rate | 10% (7th) | 8% (last) |
all advanced stats courtesy of spatialjam.com
