Harbour Heat too much for Sharks

Southland Sharks coach Richard Dickel believes his side will win more games than they lose in this year's NBL if they play like they did in the second half against the star-studded Harbour Heat in Auckland yesterday.

The Sharks were beaten 96-82 in their second match of the NBL against a side many people are tipping to win this year's competition. For the second week running, Southland were slow to get out of the blocks, falling behind 26-16 after the first quarter and Harbour's lead blowing out to 23 by halftime.

Southland played some strong basketball after halftime, though, taking the second half 48-39, which Dickel said was encouraging.

"For the first time this season, we played a bit of D (defence) and confused them ... If we play like we did in the second half we can foot it with anyone in this league."

It was a gallant effort from the Sharks, with skipper and former Australian Boomer Luke Martin still in Australia, where his Wollongong Hawks side lost the deciding game of the Australian NBL grand final series, and vice-captain Ian Cathcart ruled out with a calf strain.

Daniel Munday (hamstring) and Martin Iti (back spasms) were also limited because of injury. Iti flies into Invercargill on Wednesday and will be available for Southland's next match against Hawke's Bay in Napier on Friday night.

American guard Mike Rose again led the way for Southland with a team-high 21 points, while stand-in captain James Paringatai added 20 points and four rebounds. Rene Rougeau upped his game from last week, with the American small forward contributing 13 points, seven assists and seven blocks.

Heat centre Rick Rickert – who plays for the New Zealand Breakers – caused Southland plenty of problems inside, with the big American posting a double-double of 24 points and 11 rebounds.

Harbour got the better of Southland in the rebounding battle, winning 45-29. The Auckland-based side managed to grab a staggering 24 offensive rebounds to Southland's nine, which would have concerned Dickel. Southland also committed 27 turnovers, which Dickel conceded was too many for his liking.

Southland will be looking for their first win of the season, against Hawke's Bay on Friday – a team they took to overtime in their opening game of the season last week. Dickel said it was a game they would be targeting.

"It's a huge weekend. That's a game we've circled as winnable. We've got to give them a good go."

FINAL WHISTLE

Harbour Heat 96 (Rick Rickert 24, Kavossy Franklin 20, Corey Webster 17, BJ Anthony 14) Southland Sharks 82 (Mike Rose 21, James Paringatai 20, Gareth Dawson 16, Rene Rougeau 13). Quarter scores (heat first) 26-16, 57-34 (halftime), 79-58 (3QT), 96-82 (fulltime)

- © Fairfax NZ News

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