Basketball: Record means less to coach than win

By MURRAY McKINNON

Two words were drilled into the Auckland national league team at halftime by coach Tab Baldwin which turned the game around in the second spell and brought victory over North Harbour, 82-74.

Facing a thrashing by the Kings, who led 50-38 at the break, Baldwin uttered the words, "rebound, rebound," sending his team back on court revved up.

Baldwin, who was more interested in winning and staying in the top four in the league standings than the fact he had set a NBL record of 142 for the most coaching wins, said he was proud of his team.

"[Harbour] killed us in the first half and it was evident they wanted it more than us. But we delivered in the second half and I'm exhausted."

Aggressive play from Harbour's Brad Riley, coupled with well-placed outside shots from Brendon Cathie-Pongia and Dylan Chase, and power play from Brian Gomes rocked Auckland in the first quarter.

The Kings led 25-15, and their charge continued into the next quarter as they swept to a 20-point lead.

But captain Dillon Boucher regrouped his Auckland team, and Ben Pepper's reach was invaluable against a dogged Gomes under the post, enabling him to tip in vital baskets.

Mason Le Pou was brilliant for Auckland in the third quarter as they went on a 30-12 rout.

Their concentration lapsed midway through the final quarter, allowing Harbour to come back with Riley, Jeff Niwa and Gomes hitting in eight unanswered points.

However, with Baldwin's advice ringing in their ears, Auckland grabbed possession for Aaron Olsen to launch a three-pointer, and Pepper hammered home the win with a basket to bring his total for the game to 19.

Boucher, who also scored 19, was full of praise for Baldwin's historic winning game. "He is the best coach in New Zealand by far," Boucher said. "I have been with him for eight years. He is the master and whatever he says goes."

In other games on Saturday, Nelson thrashing Hawkes Bay 89-58, Waikato pipped Palmerston North at the final buzzer 70-69, and Wellington beat Otago 124-117.

Palmerston North kept their playoff chances alive by defeating North Harbour 87-74 on the North Shore yesterday. North Harbour led up to the final six minutes.

Waikato remain unbeaten, beating Wellington away 119-106 last night.