Basketball New Zealand

Thomas Abercrombie (Photosport)

Waikato Pistons have guts out a great win in Hamilton defeating the Exodus Saints 80-74 to win game number one thanks to their star player Thomas Abercrombie who scored 32 points.

Abercrombie was nothing short of sensational also grabbing 10 rebounds and blocking five shots to go with his 32 points. The small forward scored an incredible 25 points in the first half to give the home side a 10 point lead at the half.

The Pistons dominated the boards with three of their players grabbing 10 or more rebounds, while outrebounding Wellington 45-36.

Saints did get back into the game in the second half and took their first lead of the game with under four minutes left in the game when Casey Frank (14 points) hit a three. Two free throws from Eric Devendorf gave the Saints a four point lead with two and a half left.

But the Pistons showed resolve when Rashad Tucker who had 7 points 13 rebounds and 8 assists hit an unlikely three in the corner to cut the lead to one and then a break away layup from Alex Pledger (12 points, 10 rebounds) gave Waikato a one point lead with forty three seconds remaining.

Saints had an opportunity to regain the lead but Abercrombie played outstanding defense on Eric Devendorf forcing to take a tough shot. Devendorf had one of his worst shooting performances in the NBL shooting a dismal 3/19 from the field for 13 points.

For the visitors Lindsay Tait top scored with 16 while Erron Maxey had 12 off the bench.

Then with seven seconds the Pistons hit a three from none other than Tony “The Bear ” Ronaldson who was playing off one leg, showing a lot of heart even playing.

Now the series shifts down to Wellington tomorrow night at TSB Bank Arena where the Saints have only lost there once this year, but they will not want to repeat 2008 when in the same situation the Pistons won.

Since the three game finals has been introduced there has been no game three, which is not a good sign for the Saints if they want to win championship number six.

NBL Finals

Game One

Tuesday, June 29
At Hamilton Boys High School, Hamilton

Waikato Pistons 80, Exodus Saints 74, 7.30pm, Final

Referees – Tim Brown, Dallas Pickering, Gavin Whiu
1Q: 27-16
HT: 48-38 (21-22)
3Q: 59-54 (11-16)
FT: 80-74 (21-20)
Pistons v Saints Boxscore (24 KB html)