Basketball: Sharks in fine run to final

Herald on Sunday·

4 Jul, 2015 05:00 PM2 mins to read

Adrian Majstrovich of the Southland Sharks shoots above Casey Frank of the Supercity Rangers. Photo / Photosport

The National Basketball League grand final will have a familiar feel to the Super Rugby final after the Southland Sharks and Wellington Saints won their semifinals last night.

Much like last night's Hurricanes v Highlanders clash to decide Super Rugby, the men from the capital will host the southerners in the finale after both sides turned on the afterburners late to take deserved wins.

The Sharks had the smoother progression, with an excellent defensive performance and smart offensive game plan dispatching the Supercity Rangers 95-80.

Tai Wesley was impressive, with the New Zealand Breakers big man starting out by hitting his first seven shots before then putting his passing skills to good use to free up shooters Todd Blanchfield, Duane Bailey and Adrian Majstrovich.

Reuben Te Rangi kept his Rangers side in touch with four three-pointers, but the Sharks' smart defensive strategies limited the open looks for the Rangers' array of shooters, holding them to just 36 second-half points.

Wesley was dominant on both ends, finishing with 24 points, nine rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks. He was helped by ample support from Majstrovich (18 points, 16 rebounds), Kevin Braswell (23 points) and Duane Bailey (14 points and eight boards).

Their opponents were found later in the night, as the Saints won their way through to tonight's finale after beating the Nelson Giants 97-85 in a thrilling contest.

Both teams had their star player severely limited because of injury, with Saints swingman Torrey Craig playing just 15 minutes due to a knee injury, while Giants guard McKenzie Moore was bothered by a turf toe injury, fouling out after shooting 2/11 from the field.

Lindsay Tait stepped up for the hosts, scoring 29 points on 10/14 shooting, while Dion Prewster chimed in with 17 points, six rebounds and eight assists.

The Giants nearly dragged their way out of it after falling into a double-digit deficit, with thunderous dunks from Moore and Finn Delany bringing the contest back within a single basket. However, they didn't have the offensive firepower as the Saints closed out the game in style to run away victorious.

The Sharks will be gunning for their second championship tonight, and a record 16th consecutive win, while the Saints are a chance to defend their title in the contest which tips off at 7pm.