Pistons Go 2 & 0
Tagged in: NBL
Defending NBL Champions the Waikato Pistons went 2 & 0 at the YMCA in Hamilton tonight with a 84-74 win over the Devon Taranaki Dynamos.
Taranaki pushed Waikato throughout the first half with Link Abrams and Phillip Gilbert standing out for the Dynamos as they went to the half time break up 41-38. A strong third quarter defensive display by the Pistons changed the complexion of the game as Waikato took out the third quarter 25-14 and an 8 point lead. The Pistons experienced roster closed the game out in the fourth quarter repelling everything that a valiant Devon Taranaki Dynamos team could throw at them to finish with a 10 point victory at the final buzzer. Taranaki were not helped by what looks to be a serious knee injury midway through the final quarter to the talismanic Link Abrams.
Taranaki had four players hit double digits including Eric Vierneisel hitting a game high 21 for the Dynamos. Aaron Bailey-Nowell worked hard and finished with a 16 and 10 double double. Waikato’s Adam Ballinger and Justin Bailey were again impressive hitting game high 22 points each, with Ballinger also serving up 7 assists. Michael Fitchett was white hot from behind the three point hitting 5 from 8 (62.5%) on his way to 17 points.
The Dynamos must pick themselves up quickly as they travel north to Auckland to take on the Stars tomorrow night.
Friday, March 20
At YMCA, Hamilton
Waikato Pistons 84 (Adam Ballinger 22, Justin Bailey 22, Michael Fitchett 17) v Devon Dynamos Taranaki 74 (Eric Vierneisel 21, Link Abrams 16, Aaron Nowell 16), Final
Referees – Gavin Whiu, Kelly McLeod, Grant Flanagan
1Q: 24-20
HT: 38-41 (14-21)
3Q: 63-55 (25-14)
FT: 84-74 (21-19)
Waikato v Taranaki Boxscore (22 KB html)
