Basketball: Rams bounce back with win over Airs

Jamie Adams of the Canterbury Rams shots over Marcus Johnson of the Taranaki Mountainairs. Photo / Photosport

After a tough loss the night before, the Canterbury Rams have bounced back with a 95-82 win over the Augusta Airs.

Forward, Marcel Jones, continued his hot form with his sixth double-double for the season of 21 points and 11 rebounds. McKenzie Moore tallied 21 points, nine assists and five steals for the Rams who now move on par with the Rangers with an 8-5 win/loss record.

It was a tough end to the weekend for the Airs who dropped two games, putting them at 5-6. Injuries did not help the home side with key perimeter players Marcus Johnson and Brad Anderson out, not to mention the still suspended Houston O'Riley. Taranaki still fought hard this afternoon and were only trailing by seven going into the final quarter. But the Rams would start the fourth with a 17-6 run to have their biggest lead of 19.

Taranaki forward Jordan Ngatai was impressive for his side this afternoon with 28 points and six assists, Daniel Miller had 21 points and eight rebounds, and in his first start for the Airs, Tony Tolovae had a season best of 17 against his former team. Turnovers was an issue for the usually disciplined Airs who coughed up the ball 24 times.

The Rams got better production from import Jamie Adams who although fouled out in 20 minutes, managed to score 12 in his second game back from injury. Forward Marqes Whippy (15) and Michael Karena (12) reached over double-digits.

It will be a pivotal week for the Airs next week as they will host playoff contender Mike Nelson Giants on Thursday, and then another trip to the capital to face the Wellington Saints on Friday.

Canterbury can further consolidate their top four position with a home game against the winless Indigo Hawks, and if results go their way, possibly move to the top spot.