Saints Spank Pistons
Tagged in: NBL
The Century City Saints have beaten the Waikato Pistons 100-86 at the TSB Bank Arena in Wellington tonight in front of a crowd of over 3000. The win could prove vital in the run into the play-offs as the Saints, Giants, Pistons and Cougars jockey for first and second spot and the right to host a semi final..
The Pistons made the better of the early running to open up a 27-19 lead by the end of the first quarter. Pero Cameron marked his 300th NBL appearance coming of the bench midway through the first quarter. The Pistons maintained there lead through the second quarter to be ahead 51-46 at half time.
The Saints made a run at the Pistons in the third quarter which saw them open a ten point lead by the three quarter break (75-65). The Saints defence was the difference in the quarter forcing five turnovers and securing three steals. Offensively the Saints found there range too, scoring 29 points to the Pistons 14 in the third.
The fourth quarter was a lot tighter but the Saints maintained their composure to take the fourth 25-21 and record a 14 point, 100-86 win. The Pistons did threaten a couple of comebacks but Troy McLean and Mike Efevberha hit big threes at crucial moments to regain the lost momentum.
Justin Bailey had a strong game for the Pistons scoring 21 points and making some nice moves to the basket. Thomas Abercrombie showed his athletism, collecting 16 points. For the Saints Mike Efevberha took a game high 39 points. Leon Henry impressed with 18 including three big three pointers. Lindsay Tait had a productive night also scoring 16, dishing up four assists and making three steals.
The win and margin could prove vital with the Saints travelling to Waikato for the return match next Saturday after hosting the Hawks on Friday night. The Pistons must pick themselves and travel to Nelson tomorrow morning to take on the Giants at the Trafalgar Centre, tip off 7pm.
Friday, May 29
At TSB Bank Arena, Wellington
Century City Saints 100 (Mike Efevberha 39, Leon Henry 19, Lindsay Tait 16) v Waikato Pistons 86 (Justin Bailey 19, Thomas Abercrombie 16, Pero Cameron 115), Final
Referees - Andy Thackray, Yalla Edwards, Joe Hemi
1Q: 19-27
HT: 46-51 (27-24)
3Q: 75-65 (29-14)
FT: 100 - 86 (25-21)
Saints v Pistons Boxscore (html 22KB)
