Cougars blitz the Otago Nuggets

The Christchurch Cougars swept aside Otago 104-71 to net their second win in the Bartercard national basketball league in Dunedin on Saturday.

The Cougars bounced back well from their loss two nights previously at home to Saints, blitzing the home side in the first spell and surging to a 66-32 lead by the break.

The Cougars splashed 10 of 15 three-pointers in the first spell and shot at 60 per cent to send the Nuggets packing.

After being restricted to scores in the early 70s in their first two matches, it was encouraging to watch the Cougars break loose and score freely although the Nuggets are unlikely to collect many wins this season.

They have two import Americans but the remainder are chiefly young players.

Paora Winitana and Jeremy Kench again led the Cougars' scoring thrust with 26 and 25 points respectively, Kench making eight of 10 field goals.

The tightest match of the round saw Nelson nudge out Wellington's Saints 92-86 at the Trafalgar Centre.

An unsportsmanlike foul called on Saints forward Casey Frank with 1:18 remaining after he and Phill Jones tussled for a loose ball proved a turning point.

Jones sank the two free throws and from the resulting possession Michael Harrison scored giving the Giants a five-point buffer which they held.

Jones ran hot with 29 points while American forward Harrison had 22 and 10 rebounds. Mika Vukona marked his return from the Australian league by keeping Saints star guard Darryl Hudson under some control.

Saints' top scorer was American forward Erron Maxey who struck a purple patch in the third quarter landing five three-pointers to give Saints a short-lived lead. Saints struggled in the final period, eventually losing Nick Horvath, Leon Henry and Frank fouled out.

- © Fairfax NZ News