Wheeler Motor Company Canterbury Rams (10-2, 1st) v Big Barrel Hawks (7-6, 5th)
The Rams have won six straight but are even better on their home court where they have yet to drop a game. The Hawks come to town having won 4 of 5, including 3 on the road and can't be daunted by the Cowles Cauldron if they want to keep pace with the top six.
When: Saturday 31st May, Rapid League 6:30pm, Sal's NBL 7:30pm
Where: Cowles Stadium, Christchurch
Watch: Live in New Zealand on Sky Sport 4 | USA: ESPN3 | International: FIBA YouTube |
Last Time Out:
The Rams’ winning streak looked in serious jeopardy in Nelson, where a revitalised Giants side was desperate to deliver their home crowd a long-awaited win. The Giants came out hot, riding Alex Robinson’s (22 pts, 5 rebs, 5 asts, 4 stls, 1 blk) all-around impact and Cal McRae’s (14 pts) interior presence to a 13-point halftime lead that ballooned to 20 in the third. But then a Sean MacDonald (18pts, 6ast) just inside half-court buzzer-beater to end the third gave the visitors a jolt, and the fourth quarter belonged to Canterbury. CJ Penha (16 pts, 14 rebs) found space, the defense tightened, and the Rams clawed all the way back to tie it in the final minute. Walter Brown (15 pts) then iced the game at the line, sealing a dramatic 89-87 comeback win and extending the Rams' run to six straight, cementing their spot at the top of the table.
Despite a late scratch to Darnell Cowart, the Hawks dug deep in Dunedin to complete their Southern sweep. The Nuggets came out swinging, riding strong starts from Jono Janssen (33 pts, 11 rebs) and Jaylen Sebree (29 pts, 9 rebs) to build a 17-point first-half cushion as they looked to snap an eight-game skid. But the Hawks didn't blink. With all five starters finishing with at least 18 points, led by Dan Grida (20pts, 9rbs, 3ast, 1stl) and Jackson Ball (20pts, 2rb, 3ast, 4stl), Hawke’s Bay leaned on their offensive balance and collective grit to claw their way back, tying the game heading into the fourth. While Janssen kept scoring, the Hawks raised their defensive intensity and showed poise down the stretch, executing in the clutch to grind out a 98–92 win. It was a gutsy performance on the road and another step forward in their push up the ladder.
What to Expect:
The Rams come into this matchup sitting atop the ladder, riding momentum with one of the league’s most balanced and physical rosters. Their defense is among the stingiest in the Sal’s NBL, buoyed by the relentless activity of CJ Penha Jr., coming off his highest rebounding total of the year, and a versatile backcourt led by Taylor Britt and Sean MacDonald. The Rams love to push the pace after defensive stops, and their ability to spread the floor with multiple shooters makes them dangerous in transition and in the halfcourt. Look for Canterbury to try to assert themselves early with physicality on the boards and ball pressure on the Nuggets' guards. With Walter Brown, Tohi Smith-Milner and Max Darling providing tough D, the Rams have the tools to wear down the Nugs over the course of the game.
The Hawks continue to be one of the leagues most entertaining teams, leaning on transition offense and elite shot-making. Dan Grida is the engine on both ends but the impact of Wani Swaka Lo Buluk and Jackson Ball is key to any team success. Darnell Cowart has been released, making space for new recruit Brandon Alston (and Dante Matakatea) who won't replace his size but may bring another dimension to the offense. to steal this one on the road they have to keep their flow while limiting turnovers, especially against this Rams defense that thrives off live-ball mistakes. Luca Yates has a bigger load to carry as the only big on the roster and will need to come up with a powerful performance on the glass for his team to stay in the game.
Matchup to Watch: Taylor Britt v Jackson Ball - Britt is a barometer for the Rams, they don't always go as he goes but its a pretty good indicator. And it will be Ball who is often tasked with hampering his effectiveness, but it will be most important to overcome the defensive attention without turning over the ball.
Stats that Might Matter:
| Stat | Rams | Hawks |
| Scoring Offense | 100.33 (1st) | 90.00 (5th) |
| Scoring Defense | 85.50 (3rd) | 92.69 (7th) |
| Effective Field Goal % | 55% (1st) | 54% (4th) |
| Field Goal % Defense | 45% (4th) | 45% (6th) |
| Free Throw Rate | 24% (10th | 34% (2nd) |
| Free Throw % | 67% (10th) | 76% (1st) |
| Three Point Rate | 43% (5th) | 39% (7th) |
| Three Point % | 35% (3rd) | 30% (10th) |
| Turnover Rate | 11% (2nd) | 14% (9th) |
| Assist Rate | 60% (4th) | 53% (last |
| Offensive Rebound Rate | 32% (1st) | 21% (last) |
| Defensive Rebound Rate | 76% (3rd) | 71% (9th) |
| Block Rate | 9% (5th) | 6% (10th) |
| Steal Rate | 10% (5th) | 8% (10th) |
all advanced stats courtesy of spatialjam.com
