Basketball: Waikato, Nelson on song in NBL

Manawatu Jets failed in their bid for a perfect record on their National Basketball League northern road tour, going down 92-83 to the Waikato Pistons in Hamilton last night.

The Jets downed Taranaki 90-78 in New Plymouth on Friday but couldn't find their winning touch against a powerful Waikato side who were led by 32 points from Justin Bailey, assisted by 23 from Australian gun Michael Ballinger.

Waikato remain unbeaten through three matches and took control from the outset against a Manawatu side whose top scorer was Marcel Jones with 26.

Last night's other match saw the Nelson Giants outclass the Hawke's Bay 97-74 in Nelson.

In clash between two traditionally-powerful sides who both boasted one win-one loss records coming in, Tall Blacks Phill Jones and Tony Rampton took control for Nelson with 32 and 20 points respectively.

They were only 11 up after three quarters but pulled clear with a 26-14 final stanza effort against a Hawke's Bay side who were led by 15 points from John Thomas.

Results

In Nelson: Nelson Giants 97 (Phill Jones 32, Tony Rampton 20, Jarryd Lloyd 16) Hawke's Bay Hawks 74 (John Thomas 15, Jeremy Kench 13). Halftime: 51-39.

In Hamilton: Waikato Pistons 92 (Justin Bailey 32, Adam Ballinger 23, Michael Fitchett 17) Manawatu Jets 83 (Marcel Jones 26, Aidan Daly 20). Halftime: 41-31.

- NZPA