Basketball New Zealand

Eric Devendorf drives on Alex Pledger (Photosport)

Finally for the first time since the three game finals format began in 2007 we are going to a Game Three after the Exodus Saints won Game Two big against the Waikato Pistons 98-69.

Pistons could not stop the Saints with six players scoring in double figures led by none other than Eric Devendorf who bounced back from his shooting woes in Game One to have a game high 24 points (2/2 3pt FG).

Saints point guard Lindsay Tait had a double double of 12 points and 13 assists while off the bench Erron Maxey also had a double double of 17 points and 10 rebounds.

After being outrebounded in Game One the Saints controlled the boards in Game Two out rebounding the visitors 43-36. Pistons Alex Pledger was the only Pistons with double figure rebounds with 11 to go with his 12 points.

After being down 16 in the first quarter the Pistons were unable to get back in the game as the Saints won the next two quarters 51-34 allowing both coaches to empty their benches in the final period.

Pistons import Rashaad Tucker top scored for his side with 18, Thomas Abercrombie held to 14 points and two rebounds. Wellington will be very pleased with their defensive effort holding Pistons to 35% shooting and 15% from beyond the arc. One of the Pistons leading scorers Hayden Allen was held to eight points shooting 1/14 from the field.

Now it will be back to the drawing board for the Pistons who will want to forget about tomorrow and look to have a better start which will give them confidence.

For the Saints they can ill afford complacency against a side the quality of the Pistons, in particular Allen who will not have a repeat performance of tonight.

Game Two

Wednesday, June 30
At TSB Bank Arena

Exodus Saints 98 (Eric Devendorf 24, Erron Maxey 17, Two Tied at 12) Waikato Pistons 69 (Rashaad Tucker 18, Thomas Abercrombie 14, Alex Pledger 12), Final

Live on Sky Sport 3
Referees – Tim Brown, Dallas Pickering, Andy Thackray
1Q: 34-18
HT: 58-36 (24-18)
3Q: 85-52 (27-16)
FT: 98-69 (13-17)
Saints v Pistons Boxscore (24 KB html)