Basketball: Mariners make early claim for crown

The Tauranga City Mariners have established themselves as one of the early favourites to take out the inaugural SAS Sports Central Basketball Competition with an unbeaten start to the season.

The Mariners, led by 19 points from Ashton McQueen and 17 from Matt Fullerton, blew Waikato Pistons Development away in the first half at home on Saturday, before downing St John's 93-63 in Hamilton yesterday afternoon.

The twin triumphs give the young team a three-match winning streak to start the season in what is seen as the first step to launching a National Basketball League franchise in the city.

The guard-heavy Mariner line-up used a balanced attack to unsettle a Pistons Development team featuring a number of fringe NBL players.

Ross Taurima and McQueen were especially keen to push the ball in transition, opening the door for outside chances for a number of willing shooters.

The Pistons had some success dumping the ball down low to Tamaki Courtney in the second half, but could not get enough stops at the other end to threaten the hosts down the stretch.

It was much the same story in Hamilton yesterday, with the outside shooting of the visitors proving too much for St John's.

McQueen again top scored with 25 points, with captain Eru Wills and Adam Dunstan adding 17 points apiece.

The only concern came after an injury to Matt Fullerton, who played just four minutes before leaving the court.

Niki O'Brien said the Mariners coaching staff was pleased with the team's early progress.

"Waikato is always strong so I'm wrapped with all the boys," he said.

"They've come together really quickly."

The new league was a learning experience and crucial for the development of the game in the city, he said.

"You don't find out what the other teams are like until the day, though we've played against a few of these guys during the years. It's great for some of the younger players in our team and to show the talent we still have here in Tauranga. I'm glad they're all home and playing for Tauranga, a lot of them are under-20s.

"Hopefully we can take it. It's good for Tauranga basketball and I hope all the fans come out and support it."

Tauranga City Mariners 92 (Ashton McQueen 19, Matt Fullerton 17, Eru Wills 15, Jaden Bezzant 13, Ross Taurima 10) Waikato Pistons Development 68 (Tamaki Courtney 18, Jordan Harries 16, James Comer 13)