Sharks bounce back to defeat the Airs

ZEROFEES SOUTHLAND SHARKS have bounced back from last night’s loss to defeat theTARANAKI MOUNTAIN AIRS 91-80.

 

Sharks had their best offensive output of the season, import SLYVESTER SPICER having his best and maybe last performance for the Southland top scoring with 21 points.

KEVIN BRASWELL playing the whole game for the Sharks, scoring 19 points which including some big three’s in the final period to keep the Airs within distance.

Airs JACK LEASURE struggled in the first half limited to four points (2/11 FG), but bounced back in the second half to lead the homeside with 21. MARCUS CAMPBELL producing his second consecutive double double with 17 points and 15 rebounds.

Sharks showed much improvement on the offensive end shooting 56% from the field as a team and 35% from the three point line.

Southland took an early lead in the first quarter, but after leading by as many as five the Airs took their first lead at the latter stages of the quarter, Campbell scoring eight in the period. Taranaki holding a slim 18-17 lead after the first.

But in the second period the Sharks would produce their best quarter of the season scoring 30 points, leading by 11 at the break.

After the break the home side fought back into the contest cutting the Sharks lead to four thanks to a Leasure three.

Sharks putting up their lowest quarter in the game managing only 16 points, Airs getting within three. Bench players DAN PECK and JAMES PARINGATAI hitting shots to give the visitors a five point lead heading into the final period.

In the fourth quarter, MARK DICKEL was the main contributor to spark the Sharks 9-0 run to give them their biggest lead of the game at 14.

Dickel began the period with a steal that lead to a Spicer field goal, a three pointer and an then assist on a GARETH DAWSON field goal.

Dickel would end up with 13 points and five assists, Dawson only missing three field goals for his 16.

Airs showed some fight though scoring seven straight points to cut the lead to seven. BRENDAN POLYBLANK hitting a three to return the lead to double digits.

Taranaki would get to within seven again, but Braswell would hit two three’s in consecutive possessions that would ultimately be the back breaker.

The homeside now slump to their third straight loss and it won’t get any easier for them in Round Six when they travel to Tauranga to play the WAIKATO PISTONS.

Sharks can now return home and take a little confidence with them when they play host to theEXODUS SAINTS on Saturday night to end their stretch of three games in four days.

It is unsure when Spicer’s replacement KANIEL DICKENS will be available, but it could be for Saturdays game.

Thursday, May 12

At TSB Stadium, New Plymouth

TARANAKI MOUNTAIN AIRS 80 (Jack Leasure 21, Marcus Campbell 17, Aaron Bailey-Nowell 14) ZEROFEES SOUTHLAND SHARKS 91 (Slyvester Spicer 21, Kevin Braswell 19, Gareth Dawson 16), Final

Referees – Gavin Whiu, Kieran Udy, Gareth Tehan




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