Basketball: Wins for Rams and Saints in NZ NBL action

Gareth Dawson of the Canterbury Rams with a slam dunk against the Southland Sharks. Photo / Photosport

New import McKenzie Moore has led the Canterbury Rams to a 91-78 win over the Southland Sharks.

Moore tallied 32 points, 13 rebounds, five assists and three steals for the Rams who were able to win without their leading scorer and rebounder Marcel Jones.

The visitors were trailing the Sharks by four heading into the final quarter, but outscored them 32-15 to get their fourth win of the season.

All five starters scored over double-digits and after struggling from the free throw line all season, tonight they converted on 20-23.

It was also going to be a tough game for the Sharks who lost their best player Jordair Jett for the season last week. Southland did add Townsville Crocodile, Mitch Norton, who added 12 off the bench. Nick Kay had 26 points and 10 rebounds, Alex Pledger had 17 for the Sharks who drop to 4-4.

In Wellington the Saints have routed the Indigo Hawks 106-63. The home side led by 22 at halftime, and extended it to as many 46 in the final win to seal their fourth win.

Torrey Craig led all scorers with 27 points to along with his 12 rebounds, Tai Wesley returned to the line-up to add 16 points, and Benny Anthony scored 15.

It was a tough loss for the Hawks who have now dropped their sixth straight game. The Hawks shot 30% from the field and the only offense they got tonight were from forwards Arthur Trousdell (15 points) and Kareem Johnson (12 points).

The Hawks will need to quickly re-group tomorrow when they play the Mike Pero Nelson Giants (5-2).