Night 'n Day Otago Nuggets (3-2, 7th) v Jadcup Auckland Tuatara (2-3, 9th)
Thanks to a scheduling quirk the Nuggets will host the second leg of a Southern Swing after having a game in Auckland themselves which makes defending the home court that much more difficult especially against a rising Tuatara squad.
When: Sunday 6th April, Rapid League 12pm (airing Sky sport 5), Sal's NBL 1pm
Where: Edgar Centre, Dunedin
Watch: Live in New Zealand on Sky Sport 2 | USA: ESPN3 | International: FIBA YouTube
Box score here
Last Time Out:
Otago - Traveled to play the Indian Panthers and were unable to shake the home squad and with much thanks to the efforts of Jaylen Gerrand (29pts) and Alex Robinson (18pts, 8rbs, 7ast) found themselves down 8 with a little over 8 minutes remaining. But thanks to the play of Jose Perez (18pts, 9rbs, 13ast), Don Carey Jr (22pts, 6ast, 6rb) and just arrived Jaylen Sebree (18pts) the Nuggets would pull away down the stretch, taking a 98-77 win.
Auckland- Took part in the first leg of their Southern Swing, and for the first time this year welcomed Will Hickey (29pts, 11rbs, 11ast) and what a welcome it was as he secured the second triple double of the season. Charles Pride (19pts, 13rbs) enjoyed his best game of the season as the Tuatara held the Sharks at bay throughout the night on their way to the 102-92 victory.
What to Look for
Otago has been finding success with Jose Perez post catches, which slows the game down to their preferred pace (10th in pace, 80), or Don Carey Jr. on balls. Sebree looked to have great range and a quick release as well as an affinity for the transition game. Jono Jansen (17pts, 4.5rbs) has provided floor spacing (46% 3pfg) and more size up front. Their 9th in the league defensive rating (117) will be a problem against the speed of the Tuatara in transition, but the lack of size up front will pose problems in the halfcourt.
The Tuatara's first look at their close to full strength line up (expecting Dan Fotu later in the season) looked in control and at times dominant. They may look to exploit their size advantage on the offensive glass, as their speed in transition will provide ample opportunity for open threes. The offensive efficiency needs to keep creeping up and if they can do that while pushing their turnovers down, a double in the deep south will be on the table.
Small Sample Size Stats:
Don Carey Jr (25.25ppg) is sitting 5th in the league in scoring, The Nuggets are 9th is scoring defense (92.4ppg), They sit second in three point field goal percentage (36%) and 11th in three point field goal percentage defense (40%). The sit second in assist to turnover ratio (1.92pg)
After one game Will 'Davo' Hickey (29ppg) leads the league in scoring after 1 game. Even after scoring 102 in their last game the sit 10th is scoring offense (80ppg) but are fourth in scoring defense (85ppg) and second in three point field goal percentage defense (26%) and are 11th in steals (6.4pg) and 11th in assists (15.8pg)
Matchup to Watch: Jose Perez v Tom Vodanovich - This is going to be a matchup between two guys who don't back down an inch but surely when this unstoppable force meets this immovable object something hast to bend? The shooting of Vodanovich will pull Perez from the paint but the upfake game of Perez will likely work more than once in this contest.
advanced stats courtesy of spatialjam.com
