Pistons Too Much Heat
Tagged in: NBL
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A loose fourth quarter made it seem much closer than it ever was.
The Waikato Pistons led by 20 points after three quarters and, with their back-ups playing much of the fourth quarter, held on for a nine-point win over the Appliance Shed Harbour Heat in round five of the Dominion Finance NBL on Saturday afternoon at The Furnace at North Shore Events Centre.
American guard combo of Brian Wethers and Jason Crowe combined for 58 points for the Pistons, who remained the sole undefeated team at 4-0 and momentarily moved to the top of the standings.
Crowe, who recorded the League’s first triple-double since pre-2000 in round three, ended two assists and three steals short of an even rarer points-assists-steals triple-double, with 26 points, eight assists and seven steals.
Wethers posted his second double-double of the season, with a game-high 32 points, 11 rebounds and three assists. Pero Cameron also had six rebounds and three assists.
Waikato, playing their first away game, jumped on top of the Heat early, leading by seven points at quarter-time and on the back of more easy baskets from a slick offence, were up by 16 at the half.
That lead stretched to 67-47 after three periods and with Waikato coach Murray McMahon emptying his bench, the Heat were able to make a run and, briefly, force Pistons starters back into the game.
Daryl Cartwright led Harbour with 19 points and nine rebounds, while Oscar Forman posted a double-double with 17 points and 12 rebounds, and NZ Breakers team-mate Mika Vukona had 14 points, nine rebounds and four assists.
An ill guard Hayden Allen had an uncharacteristic off shooting night, as Harbour shot 40 percent from the floor, 18 percent on threes and committed 21 turnovers.
The Youthtown Auckland Stars, level with the Pistons on eight points, visit the CPS Nelson Giants, and Devon Dynamos Taranaki, 84-73 winners over the Cartridge World Otago Nuggets in Dunedin last night, play the Marley Canterbury Rams in Christchurch tonight.
At The Furnace at North Shore Events Centre, North Shore
Waikato Pistons 89 (Brian Wethers 32, Jason Crowe 26) Appliance Shed Harbour Heat 82 (Daryl Cartwright 19, Oscar Forman 17, Mika Vukona 14). HT: 47-31
Heat vs Pistons Box Score (22KB html)
