Take a bow EJ Singler and soak up the applause!
In one of the best performances we are likely to see in the Sal's NBL this season, EJ Singler has powered the Wheeler Motor Company Canterbury Rams to a 103-85 win over the Steelformers Taranaki Airs with an incredible personal scoreline.
Singler was on fire from the moment the game started and went on to score 41 points on 16-of-16 shooting, including 25 first-half points, along with 7 rebounds, 9 assists and 3 steals for the game. He was also responsible for a handful of deflections that led to steals for his team.
It was a game to remember for the American - his full shooting effort included 10-of-10 from inside the arc, 6-of-6 from beyond the arc, and 3-of-4 from the foul line. His single blemmish coming late in the game.
The Rams jumped out of the blocks with a 37-19 first quarter, and from there they never looked back, at one stage leading by as much as 28 points.
In a gritty fightback the Airs did reduce the margin to 9 points midway through the third period, but as he did time and time again, Singler came up with a big basket to steady the Rams ship.
By the final buzzer the home crowd, though disappointed with a loss, stood and applauded the efforts of Singler. It was game nobody in the building will forget in a hurry.
The win moves the Rams to a 5-5 record with the return of Joe Cook-Green on the horizon, while either Taylor Britt or Max Darling is expected to be on court next week. As for star Jack Salt, there is plenty of optimism amongst the Rams camp that their star centre will return in the near future.
Taranaki Airs (85) lost to Canterbury Rams (103) - BOXSCORE
Airs: Tai Wynyard (16pts), Marcel Jones (15pts, 11rbs, 6ast), Haize Walker (13pts), Carlin Davison (12pts).
Rams: EJ Singler (41pts, 7rbs, 9ast, 3stls, 6 treys, 16/16 FGs), Deshon Taylor (20pts, 5stls), Alex Talma (12pts), Mason Whittaker (10pts).
Game Highlights
Stuff MVP Votes
EJ Singler (Rams) 10
Tai Wynyard (Airs) 8
Deshon Taylor (Rams) 6
Alex Talma (Rams) 3
Marcel Jones (Airs) 2
Carlin Davison (Airs) 1
(Photo Credit: PhotosportNZ)