Attention is certainly on the Otago Nuggets.
The Nuggets have now won three consecutive games this season.
They defeated the previously unbeaten Tauranga Whai with a score of 92-81, thrilling 1165 spectators at the Edgar Centre tonight.
Their earlier victories were less convincing, achieved against a weakened Southland Sharks team and a Nelson Giants lineup missing their imports.
The Whai played without their star, Reuben Te Rangi.
Nonetheless, the Nuggets put on an impressive display. They secured the win through strong defensive tactics and a solid offensive performance.
The second quarter proved crucial, with the Nuggets dominating that period 26-12.
Michael Henn had his best performance for the Nuggets, leading with 19 points.
Alain Louis contributed significantly in the final quarter with 16 points and eight assists, while Ethan Rusbatch added 17 points.
Isaac Miller-Jose provided a boost from the bench, scoring 13 points and grabbing seven rebounds.
For the Whai, Nicholas Stoddart shone with 24 points, and Taine Murray added 23 points, making five three-pointers.
Stoddart initiated the scoring by maneuvering around Matthew Bardsley for a layup.
Bardsley quickly responded by recovering a loose ball, leading to a corner conversion by Rusbatch.
Henn added a three-pointer that bounced on the rim before dropping in.
Buay Tuach made a driving layup, drew a foul but missed the free throw.
The Whai hit consecutive three-pointers not long after.
In the opening quarter, neither team maintained a lead for long.
The Nuggets led 23-21 at the first break, creating some distance with a couple of quick scores.
Miller-Jose’s one-handed slam extended the lead to 10 points.
The Nuggets’ defense was formidable, shutting down playmakers and forcing rushed shots.
Rusbatch hit a three-pointer to widen the gap, and Henn’s buzzer-beater made it 49-32 at halftime.
The second quarter ended in favor of the Nuggets, 26-12.
In the third period, the Nuggets took nearly five minutes to score.
Stoddart reduced the gap with a series of baskets.
Henn’s late three-pointer restored a 10-point lead going into the final quarter.
Despite their lead, the game stayed competitive.
The Whai continuously reduced the deficit, only for the Nuggets to respond.
Louis drove fiercely to the basket, earning multiple free throws from fouls and taking charge when needed most.
The Whai narrowed the lead to six points.
But Bardsley, known as the Slippery Eel, slipped past the defense for consecutive baskets, and Tuach’s timely steal and layup sealed the victory for the Nuggets.
In the Rapid League game, the Whai overcame the Nuggets 38-34.
On Thursday, the Canterbury Rams triumphed over the Hawke’s Bay Hawks 103-94 in Taradale. Walter Brown led the Rams with 31 points, while Daniel Grida scored 28 points and collected 13 rebounds for the Hawks.
The scores
Otago Nuggets 92 (Michael Henn 19, Ethan Rusbatch 17), Tauranga Whai 81 (Nicholas Stoddart 24, Taine Murray 23). Quarter scores: 23-20, 49-32, 63-53, 92-81.
