Jadcup Auckland Tuatara (4-3, 7th) v Big Barrel Hawks (4-2, 6th)
Auckland take the court for their second home game of the weekend where a their new look lineup looks to win it's fifth straight game. But they aren't the only team to receive reinforcements as Hawke's Bay have brought in a few if their own with the aim of leaving the Sanctuary with a win.
When: Sunday 13th April, Rapid League 12pm, Sal's NBL 1pm
Where: Eventfinda Stadium, Auckland
Watch: Live in New Zealand on Sky Sport 3 | USA: ESPN3 | International: FIBA YouTube
Box score here
Last Time Out:
Auckland hosted the Panthers who welcomed import center Shnzend Li but it wasn't enough to keep them close to a Tuatara squad that was relentless in their pursuit of a victory. In the end 6 players would hit double figures led by Davo Hickey's near third straight triple double of 20pts, 8rbs and 7ast in 20 minutes as the Tuatara cruised to a 114-71 win.
Hawke's Bay traveled to Tauranga to take on the top of the table Whai and after a slow start saw them trail by five before a 20-3 run was capped off by a Jackson Ball (18pts, 9-12 fg) buzzer beater to close the opening quarter to see the Hawks up 12. Dan Grida (30pts, 7rbs) scoring led the Hawks in the second half as they pushed the lead out to 20 before eventually securing the 86-74 victory.
What to Look For
The Tuatara have played with great pace since the inclusion of Davo Hickey (26.7ppg, 10rbg, 9.3ast) who has become a one man fast break with a penchant for triple doubles. Of course he's not alone on the break as Buay Tuach (17.6ppg, 5.4rpg, 3.1ast) also excels when given fredom on the wing while Tom Vodanovich (12.3ppg, 3.9rpg) loves to drain three's as the trailer. Rob Loe (18ppg, 5.5rpg, 3.8ast) is a hub for offensive activity in the low block, the high post or out of the pick and roll as both the roller or pop man.
Through the first few weeks of the season the Hawks played almost exclusively through the pick and roll skills of Jackson Ball (25.8ppg, 4.2apg, 3.8reb) or through the hands of Darnell Cowart (20ppg, 10.3rpg, 5.5ast), either in the low post or as the pop man out of the pick and roll. But they are far from the only weapons since the arrival of their Aussie contingent. Dan Grida (30ppg, 7rpg) is a perfect compliment to the Hawks existing core, with a two way engine matched by few. Wani Swaka Lo Buluk (16ppg, 3rpg) extends the three point range of the Hawks while offering top tier defense that can switch one to five. Luca Yates offers real size to combat the bigs down low while all the additions have suddenly given the bench real options with Clifton Bush III, Campbell Scott and Jacob Murphy all contributors off the bench.
Matchup to Watch: Davo Hickey v Dan Grida- Two championship teammates with maybe the highest motors in the league face off for the first time this season. Both players excel in transition but can execute to perfection in the halfcourt but what will be the outcome when these two dynamos meet!
Small Sample Size Stats:
| Stat | Tuatara | Hawks |
| Scoring Offense | 87.29ppg (7th) | 93.67ppg (4th) |
| Effective Field Goal % | 50% (10th) | 57% (1st) |
| Free Throw Rate | 31% (3rd) | 26(%) 7th) |
| Three Point Rate | 44% (3rd) | 40% (7th) |
| Three Point % | 31% (10th) | 32% (7th) |
| Turnover Rate | 16% (10th) | 15% (9th) |
| Assist Rate | 57% (6th) | 57% (5th) |
| Offensive Rebound Rate | 22% (last) | 23% (10th) |
| Defensive Rebound Rate | 76% (2nd) | 69% (11th) |
| Block Rate | 6% (8th) | 6% (9th) |
| Steal Rate | 8% (10th) | 8% (12th) |
all advanced stats courtesy of spatialjam.com
