Basketball New Zealand

Eric Devendorff (Photosport)

Bad Boy Eric Devendorf has showed his worth pouring in 49 points against the Nelson Giants tonight

The Pistons unleashed two dazzling quarters of offensive shooting power coasting to a 92-73 victory.
Devendorf put on a shooting clinic for the Waikato Pistons hitting seven of his 10 three point attempts on top of 10 from 16 field goals.

It took the Pistons two quarters to gain control of the season opener, leading 18-17, at the end of the first quarter.
That lead was extended to 41-34 at half time with Devendorf closing out that quarter with a clutch three point shot.

The Pistons were in an aggressive mood with their bigs – Alex Pledger, Tony Ronaldson – leading a monster rebounding haul throughout the game.

The Pistons were totally dominate in the rebounding stats-gaining 24 offensive rebounds-which was more than Nelson had off their own defensive glass.

The rebounding stats were a glaring example of where the Giants struggled without the services of livewire Tall Black Mika Vukona.

The Pistons murdered Nelson 57-32 on rebounding alone and with an array of jump shooters head coach Dean Vickerman could rotate into the game-Nelson struggled to contain a rampant home team.

Devendorf ignited a massive third-quarter scoring sequence for the Pistons with the home team scoring 25 points during this period of the game.

The former College star unleashed a breath taking series of jump shots in transition as the Pistons lifted the game tempo pushing the ball quickly up the court.

With one player dominating the shoot stats it was left to fellow guards Gerard Bowden (10 points) and Hayden Allen (nine points) to play supporting roles for the American import.

Nelson Giants Michael Harrison had a good all round for the visiting team scoring 24 points and pulling in four rebounds.

Harrison was difficult to guard particularly off the dribble when he had the ability to attack Pledger, Ronaldson and Mike Homik off the dribble.

Giants will travel to New Plymouth to play the Mountainairs tomorrow.

Christchurch Cougars have comeback from twenty down in the 3rd to secure a 75-72 win over the Bay Hawks

Cougars Paora Winitana top scored with 27 (10-16 FG) against his hometown and also former Hawk Jeremy Kench 20 points, six rebounds, seven assists and four steals.

For the Hawks, former Canterbury Rams players David Langrell had 18 points and 10 rebounds and Nat Connell scored 15. Hawks import Jamil Terrell struggled, fouling out with four points and eight turnovers.

Both teams came out rusty in the opening quarter both committing 4 turnovers and shooting under forty percent from the field, Hawks leading 19-18.

With 6.45 left in the second quarter the Hawks made an amazing 17-0 -run behind the play of Langrell who had 18 and Connell 11 to end the half with the Hawks up 48-30.

But in the third the Cougars fought back and went on a 14-3 run, down only 57-51 at the end of the third.
The fourth would be a tight one but the Cougars would finally get their first lead since early in the second from a Kench three pointer. Hawks had a brief one point lead, but the home side closed the game behind 18 second half points from Winitana.

Cougars also put the clamps on Langrell who was held scoreless and Connell only 4 in the second half. An amazing forty turnovers were committed in the game (Cougars 20 Hawks 25)

Hawks will now travel down to Invercargill to play the Southland Sharks in their first NBL game on Saturday.

Thursday, March 4

At Cowles Stadium, Christchurch

Christchurch Cougars 75 (Paora Winitana 27, Jeremy Kench 20) 0800 Easy LPG Bay Hawks 72 (Dave Langrell 18, Nat Connell 15, Ben Hill 12) Final

Referees – Raewyn Willocks, Gavin Zimmerman, Raelene Forde
1Q: 18-19
HT: 30-48 (11-30)
3Q: 51-57 (21-9)
FT: 75-72 (24-15)

Cougars v Hawks Boxscore (24kb html)

At Te Awamutu Events Centre

Waikato Pistons 92 (Eric Devendorf 49, Alex Pledger 11 Gerard Bowden 10) Fico Finance Nelson Giants 73 (Michael Harrison 24, Phil Jones 17, Tony Rampton 13) Final

Referees – Gavin Whiu, Jamie Hickey, Kelly McLeod
1Q: 18-17
HT: 41-34 (23-17)
3Q: 66-51 (25-17)
FT: 92-73 (26-22)
Pistons v Giants Boxscore(24KB html)