The Northern Group Tauranga Whai (4-1, 2nd) v Big Barrel Hawks (3-2, 7th)
The Whai have been the biggest early season surprise packet, launching to the top of the ladder with stingy defense and timely offense but the surprise of the Hawks good early season form hasn't been far behind. Now that that Hawks are at full strength they will pose an even greater threat to a Whai team that will need to keep the wins coming to stay top of the competition.
When: Saturday 5th April, Rapid League 6:30pm, Sal's NBL 7:30pm
Where: Mercury Baypark Arena, Tauranga
Watch: Live in New Zealand on Sky Sport 9 | USA: ESPN3 | International: FIBA YouTube
Box score here
Last Time Out:
The Whai Traveled up to Auckland to take on the Panthers and would find themselves involved in a tussle in the early goings before their offense took off and they crossed triple digits for the first time as they took home the 102-73 victory. Sean Baristow (19pts, 11rbs, 6ast) played his best game of the season as Chris Jones (17pts, 6rbs, 5ast) and Kruz Perrott-Hunt (19pts) both contributed throughout.
The Hawks found themselves in Taranaki playing their last game before receiving a infusion of talent on the bench (players and coaches) hoping they could pull off a win against the much larger Airs. Jackson Ball and Campbell Scott would both score 23 but the physicality of the Airs would prove too much as they turned a 57-34 advantage on the glass into 60 points in the paint and 24 second chance points. Carlin Davison's triple double leading a balanced Airs squad to a 114-88 victory.
What to Look for
The Whai have been creating offense through their backcourt of Chris Jones (18.4ppg) and Kruz Perrott-Hunt (17.2ppg) by hitting timely 3's and slicing through defenses for driving layups. Sean Baristow (10.4ppg) has been solid in transition but has yet to find freedom in the halfcourt while Carter Hopoi has been integral to the teams efforts with his top level rim attacks on offense and his rim protection on the other end.
The Hawks will be closer to a full strength lineup as Swaka Lo Buluk, Dan Grida and Luca Yates join the lineup to give them unprecedented depth. How the influx of talent wraps around the skills of Darnell Cowart and and Jackson Ball is yet to be seen but there is no question this will be an improved defensive team. The early season opportunities for Jacob Murphy, Clifton Bush III and co. have given the now bench mob the confidence to know they contribute to winning at a high level.
Small Sample Size Stats:
The Hawks have the most efficient offense in the league (57% efg) but have been turning it over at the 5th highest rate in the league (15%). With a full roster the defense is expected to lift, especially the ball pressure (8% stl rate) and rim protection (8% blk rate). They have the 3rd lowest rebound rate on defense (71% drb rate) and offense (23%).
The Whai have the stingiest field goal percentage defense (40%) and second stingiest from three (24% 3pfg) while sitting second in steals (9.6spg) and first in turnover margin (+5.4 topg) with the best defensive rating overall (93). They have the 2nd worst defensive rebounding rate (70% drb) but the 4th best rate on the O-glass (29%).
Matchup to Watch: Jackson Ball v Chris Jones - If the Ball and the Hawks can contain Jones it will be long night for the Whai, but if Jones can use his physicality and make things tough for the teenage ball carrier the Whai will be that much closer to taking another win on the road.
