Basketball New Zealand

Phil Jones (Photosport)

Taranaki Mountainairs fight back, but not enough as Giants win 84-82

The Airs nearly pulled off the come from behind victory, but a Michael Harrison jumper with 1.1 seconds sealed the deal. Airs had a chance to win or tie but couldn’t get a shot off as import big Demarshay Johnson lost the ball.

Angelo Hill showed a little innovation when he decided to put Jeremiah Trueman on Phil Jones, but that would be to no avail as Jones scored 37 points (6-12 3pt FG) and went to the line an astonishing 16 times making 13.

Former Junior Tall Black Josh Bloxham scored 15 and Tony Rampton was the only other player for the Giants in the double figures with 11.

Airs imports Jack Leasure and Demarshay Johnson had strong games scoring 26 and 23 respectively, while former Auckland point guard Tyrone Davey pitched in with 11.

Jones after shooting poorly the previous night against the Pistons, got off to a quick start scoring 10 in the opening quarter, Giants up 20-14.

Mountainairs fought back with two threes by Leasure to have a brief two point lead, Jones replied with two threes of his own. Halftime the Giants had the lead at 45-41

Giants took advantage of early turnovers by the Airs and extended their lead to 9, Airs countered with a three point play by Johnson and lay ups from Davey and Leasure to cut deficit to 3.

A couple of threes from Jones and Bloxham helped build the Giants lead to 12 to end the third,

To start the fourth the Giants led by as many as 15 and it all looked but over for the Airs, but they showed resolve going on an 8-0 run.

Giants would now be in a dogfight and would commit 5 fourth quarter turnovers compared to none for the Airs.

With 58 seconds remaining the score was all tied up from two made free throws by Johnson. Airs then forced a Rampton turnover and had a chance to take the lead. A missed three pointer by Davey ensured that the Giants would have the last shot. Harrison had only nine for the game but nailed the jumpshot that counted.

Mountainairs still can’t find that win putting their losing streak to 17 having not won since June 7 2008 against the Harbour Heat.

Giants will be happy to at least go 1-1 on their road trip without star signing Mika Vukona, but must feel a little uneasy with the injury loss of Darryl Jones and would strongly have to consider filling their second import spot.

Friday, March 5

At TSB Stadium, New Plymouth

Taranaki Mountainairs 82 Fico Finance Nelson Giants 84 Final

Melony Wealleans, Yalla Edwards, Gareth Tehan
1Q: 14-20
HT: 41-45 (27-25)
3Q: 57-69 (16-24)
FT: 82-84 (25-15)
Mountainairs v Giants Boxscore(24 KB html)