The Appliance Shed Harbour Heat have been well beaten in a disappointing showing 97-79 by Waikato Pistons last night at the Te Awamutu Events Centre.  The win takes the Pistons to the top of a congested NZCT National Basketball League table at the beginning of round six whilst the Heat move to 4 & 3, still well in contention with the play off race however.

The Pistons took the first quarter 22-13, and by halftime the Pistons led by 12 points, up 52-44.

Appliance Shed harbour Heat couldn’t close the gap after halftime, ending the third quarter down by 70-61. The fourth quarter belonged to the Pistons on the back of an 11 point quarter haul to Adam Ballinger who finished with a game high 35 points.

Best for the Heat were Mychal Green with 26 points and Chaz Spicer and Corey Webster with 18 but they were unable to shut down the Pistons at crucial times, in particular in the first and fourth quarters of the top of the table clash.

Tony Webster’s side will now regroup ahead of a home game on Friday 24^th April when the much fancied Nelson Giants come to town. Included in their roster is Australian NBL best sixth man Phil Jones as he returns to familiar territory on the North Shore court, albeit this time as a visiting player to The Furnace.

Waikato Pistons 97 (Adam Ballinger 35, Thomas Abercrombie 17, Justin Bailey 15) Appliance Shed Harbour Heat 79 (Mychal Green 26, Chaz Spicer 18, Corey Webster 18), Final

Referees - Gavin Whiu, Kelly McLeod, Hayden Pipe

1Q: 22-13
HT: 52-44 (30-31)
3Q: 70-61 (18-17)
FT: 97-79 (27-18)

Note: The game started 25 minutes late due to scoreboard technical issue.

Next game

Appliance Shed Harbour Heat v Nelson Giants

Friday April 24

North Shore Events Centre (The Furnace)

7pm tip off