Basketball: Kings fight back from 17 points down

By MURRAY MCKINNON

The North Harbour Kings yesterday staged one of the greatest comebacks in a national league basketball game, recovering from a 17-point deficit in the third quarter to beat the Waikato Warriors 102-100 on the North Shore.

The Harbour coach, Tracy Carpenter, said they did not deserve to win after a disappointing first half.

"It showed the character of the team. They responded to the challenge. I'm happy with the win, but not happy with the way they played."

Waikato had 12 points on the board in the first quarter before Brendon Cathie-Pongia finally penetrated the tough Warriors defence for a basket, 31/2 minutes into the game.

Brad Riley took some time to warm up with Harbour going for the outside, Dylan Chase and Cathie-Pongia claiming three pointers.

But Waikato were full of fire, with Darryl Johnson showing his athleticism, weaving through for 15 points in the first half.

Tony Brown went inside and from the three-point line to extend Waikato's lead, while David Hopoi was quick to tidy up under the basket with a couple of tip-ins.

Waikato were ahead 55-45 at the break and stormed out to a commanding lead in the third quarter, with Brown breaking the Harbour spirits with nine points in quick succession.

Timeouts called by Carpenter had Harbour back on track at the end of the quarter, with American Purnell Perry eventually finding the basket instead of the rim.

With Riley showing his true form and a three-pointer from Cathie-Pongia, Harbour were ahead 99-98 for the first time, with a minute remaining.

Strong offensive play from the Kings gave them possession and the game in the final few seconds.

The Nelson Giants hammered the Wellington Saints and the Palmerston North Jets in their doubleheader of round one.

The Giants, touted as the team to challenge champions Auckland, beat Saints 99-85 on Friday and the Jets 98-91 on Saturday.

Giants' American import James Hamilton rocked Saints under the post with a game high of 36 and was the top scorer again on Saturday with 31, slotting all eight of his free throws and collecting 11 rebounds.

Hawkes Bay posted their first win of the season, beating Canterbury 96-94 at home yesterday.