The SIT Sharks have made it two from two on the road with a 103-95 win over the Mike Pero Nelson Giants.
Point guard, Jarrad Weeks, led the way with 18 points and nine assists for the Sharks who had six players reach double-digit points or more.
It was only the second time that the Giants have lost at home this season, and they will be disappointed with their effort for the majority of the contest which saw them trail by as many as 21 points with six minutes remaining.
Nelson finally upped their tempo in the final five minutes going on a 13-0 run and closing the deficit to within six points. But time would eventually be against the home side who were forced to foul the Sharks which ended with Damon Heuir, Jerry Evans Jr and Mika Vukona all fouling out.
Sharks were the aggressors tonight which showed from the free throw line where they converted on 30-for-33. The size of Pledger (18 points & 10 rebounds) and the athleticism of Orlando Coleman (17 points) were also factors. Probably playing the night before most probably played an advantage for the Sharks compared to the Giants who hadn’t played since 21st of June.
Kyle Adnam returned the Giants line up to score a game high 27 points which included four-of-seven from three. Finn Delany scored 22, and Jerry Evans had a late spurt in the fourth quarter which saw him end the game with 15. Heuir would have 14 despite being plagued with foul trouble for most of the game, playing only 23 minutes.
The win now places the Sharks with an even record with the Giants at 10-3, the Sharks move ahead to second because they currently hold the tiebreak advantage. The two teams will meet again in the last round of the regular season on the 29th July in Invercargill, the winner could potentially determine who is crowned the regular season champion.
Nelson do have a chance to move back into second place tomorrow when they travel to Christchurch to play the Wheeler Motor Canterbury Rams who are currently on a two game losing streak and will be desperate to get a win and remain in fourth spot.
Live Streamed games available at nznbl.basketball website, maoritelevision.com, tab.co.nz or at @NZNBL facebook page.
Week 11: Friday, July 6
At Trafalgar Centre, Nelson
Mike Pero Nelson Giants 95 (Kyle Adnam 27, Finn Delany 22, Jerry Evans Jr 15)
SIT Zerofees Sharks 103 (Jarrad Weeks 18, Alex Pledger 18, Orlando Coleman 17)
Live Stats
Upcoming Games
Saturday, July 7
At Cowles Stadium, Christchurch
The Wheeler Motor Canterbury Rams v Mike Pero Nelson Giants, 7pm
Live Stats
At Springvale Arena, Whanganui
Go Media Jets v Cigna Saints, 7pm
Live Stats
At Trusts Arena, Auckland
2 Cheap Cars Supercity Rangers v Taylor Hawks, 7pm
Live Stats
Sunday, July 8
At TSB Stadium, New Plymouth
Augusta Mountainairs v Cigna Saints, 7pm (Live Streamed)
Live Stats
Photo: www.photosport.nz
