The SBS Bank Southland Sharks dominated the second half to defeat the Jadcup Auckland Tuatara 111-94 at home last night, with three players scoring more than 25 points each.
The visiting Tuatara started strongly, with Josh Dilling and KC Ioane hitting multiple buzzer beaters in the opening two quarters to keep pace with the home side. The Sharks managed just a narrow 45-43 lead at halftime.
However, the third quarter belonged to Southland as they pulled away with outstanding shooting performances from their key players. The Tuatara had no answer to the Sharks' offensive firepower as the home team built a commanding lead.
Caleb Asberry led the scoring for the Sharks with 28 points, four rebounds and three assists. Rylan Jones contributed 27 points, four rebounds and five assists, while Sam Timmins recorded an impressive double-double with 26 points and 15 rebounds, adding five assists and one steal.
Keylan Boone also played a key role with 16 points as the Sharks' balanced attack proved too much for Auckland.
For the Tuatara, Chris Johnson top-scored with 18 points and seven rebounds, while Joshua Dilling added 17 points and eight assists. Robert Loe chipped in with 16 points and 11 rebounds.
The MVP votes reflected the Sharks' dominance, with Asberry and Jones sharing the honours with eight votes each. Timmins received five votes, while Boone earned three.
In the curtain-raiser Rapid League game, the Sharks also claimed victory, defeating the Tuatara 33-29 in a lower-scoring affair.
Quake Webster led the Sharks with 10 points and four assists, while William Leger contributed seven points, six rebounds and two assists. For Auckland, Joshua Wylie scored nine points and Joshua Leger added six points and eight rebounds.
Webster dominated the Rapid League MVP voting with nine votes, ahead of Wylie with seven and Will Leger with six.
The wins continue the Sharks' strong form as they build momentum in the NBL season, with their potent offensive display highlighting the depth of talent in the Southland squad.
Leading Players
SBS Bank Southland Shark: Sam Timmins (26pts, 15reb, 5ast, 1stl), Caleb Asberry (28pts, 4reb, 3ast), Rylan Jones (27pts, 4reb, 5ast)
Jadcup Auckland Tuatara: Chris Johnson (18pts, 7reb, 2ast), Joshua Dilling (17pts, 1reb, 8ast), Robert Loe (16pts, 11reb, 2ast)
MVP Votes:
Caleb Asberry (Sharks) - 8
Rylan Jones (Sharks) - 8
Sam Timmins (Sharks) - 5
Keylan Boone (Sharks) - 3
Joshua Dilling (Tuatara) - 2
Rob Loe (Tuatara) - 2
Zach Riley (Tuatara) - 1
Chris Johnson (Tuatara) - 1
Rapid League game:
Result: SBS Bank Southland Sharks (33) defeat Jadcup Auckland Tuatara (29)
Leading Players
Southland Sharks: Quake Webster (10pts, 4 ast), William Leger (7pts, 6reb, 2ast)
Auckland Tuatara: Joshua Wylie (9pts, 1reb), Joshua Leger (6pts, 8reb, 1ast)
Rapid League MVP Votes:
Quake Webster (Sharks) - 9
Josh Wyllie (Tuatara) - 7
Will Leger (Sharks) - 6
Josh Leger (Tuatara) -
Dane Bertinshaw (Sharks) - 1
Tautoko Wynyard (Sharks) - 1