Gators again showed their great depth as they repulsed a strong fightback from Lincoln University to edge clear in the second half and win 85-79, finishing in top spot in the Men’s Premier basketball championship round. Canterbury Ram Marques Whippy was again just too good on the day with another impressive performance including 21 points, 14 rebounds, seven assists and five steals. Lincoln had solid performances from all the team but couldn’t quite make clutch baskets when needed. With key Lincoln players in foul trouble Gators pounced and went ahead by 10 and Lincoln struggled to pull it back. Sam Lees (16), and Inga Solofuti added 11 for Gators while Ram Xavier Shaw topped LU’s effort with 17 points.

 

In another tight finish Pioneer Pacers, the Hoben trophy winner, came back strongly in the second half against a full strength Checkers to record its second win in the championship round, (82-76 ).  Marty Davison was his usual efficient self and directed play with 17 points while Tallblack Ethan Rusbatch's 25 pts for Checkers wasn't quite enough to bring his side home.

 

Atami recorded its first win of the championship, also coming from behind to snatch the victory from University of Canterbury 79-77. Patrick Rodger got the Atami team off to a great start at both ends of the court but it was a crucial steal by Aled Jones which was the catalyst Atami needed to take the lead from University for the first time in the dying stages of the game, and hold on for the win. Varsity had options with seconds left on the clock but had to foul to get into the bonus which took up valuable time, which they eventually ran out of. Justin Kent excelled for the students with 25 points. The win throws a lifeline to Atami to making the six team Quarter finals on August 27^th.

 

Defending champion Wolverines had the bye

 

In the Women’s premier championship Halswell caused the upset of the day with a decisive 71-49 win over a depleted University of Canterbury through the efforts of Junior Tall-Fern Esra McGoldrick’s 23 points. Cecillia Zambrini added a busy 15 points while Bianca Aguiar slotted 19 for the students in the absence of key player Rosanna Katene.

Josh Thompson’s Lincoln University team remained unbeaten with a decisive 74-48 win over Pioneer with five players again hitting double points. Gemma Hazeldine’s 21 points and Junior Tall-Fern Charlotte Whittaker (15) helped North Canterbury power away from Wolverines to win 83-30.

In another key result Minties, after trailing Gators 32-33 at the half break, edged clear in the second spell to win 54-48, giving them an important advantage over Gators in the race for a spot in the quarter-finals.

 

The Premier Mens and U23 grades take a break next weekend (Saturday 13th) due to the Under 23 National champs in Tauranga. The Canterbury men will be attempting to retain the title they won in 2015.

Results were:

Men's Premier Championship Round six:

Gators 85 (Marques Whippy 21, 14R, 7A, Sam Lees 16, Inga Solofuti 11, 7R, Cam Chalmers 10, Stephen Nosworthy10) def  Lincoln University 79 (Xavier Shaw 17, James Levings 16, Sam Smith 16, 8R).  HT: 41-39

Atami 79 (Derek Albertson 16, Patrick Roger 13, 7R, Ritchie Howell, Scott Howell 10) def  University 77 (Justin Kent 26, Brent Fisher 16, 9R, Matt Campbell 14, 6R, Josh Petermann 11, 6R). HT: UC 46-43

Pioneer Pacers 82 (Marty Davison 17, Ariel Mepana 15, Elliot Noble 15) def Checkers 76 (Ethan Rusbatch 25, Pip Johnston 17, Nino Nabong 12). HT: Checekers 43-33. 

Bye: Wolverines.

Points table with games played in parenthesis: Gators 12 (6), Wolverines and Lincoln Uni 8 (5), Checkers and Pioneer 7 (5), University and Atami 6 (5).

 

Women’s Premier Championship round six:

Halswell 71 (Esra McGoldrick 23, Cecillia Zambrini 15, Terai Sadler 11) def  University 49 (Bianca Aguiar 19, Sapphire Wairau 10. HT: 34-20,

Minties 54 (Natasha Van Vuuren 13, Sally-Anne Tull 10) def Gators 48 (Lucy Brown 15, Tsubasa Nisbet 12). HT: Gators 33-32

North Canterbury 83 (Gemma Hazeldine 21, Charlotte Whittaker 15, Tyler Courtney 10, Ash Fane 10) def  Wolverines 30 (Letitia Mullaly 16). HT: 42-13

Lincoln University 74 (Courtney Hamblin 16, Tessa Burry 13, Tessa Morrison 12, Fran Edmonson 11, Shea Crotty 11) def  Pioneer 48 (Ashley Gayle 15). HT: 33-22

Points table: Lincoln University 12, University 11, North Canterbury and Halswell 10.