Big home win for Nelson Giants

After several misses this season, the Nelson Giants made sure there was no tight finish to its Sals NBL clash with the Hawke’s Bay Hawks today.

They surged to the lead in the second quarter and cleared out to overwhelm the fifth placed Hawks   117-81.

It was easily the highest score posted by the Giants, and combined with the biggest winning margin, made for an easy watch for loyal fans.

While there were baskets galore, it was the defensive effort that really pleased coach Mike Fitchett.

“We are trying to keep opposing teams to under 82 points,” says Mike.

The Giants were so far in front; he was able to start rolling out the very young bench players with still more than four minutes to play.

“Obviously to be out there with the young fellows was pretty good. Give the old boys a rest. They handled it well. The Hawks put their starters back on and our young guys didn’t even flinch,” enthuses Giants captain Sam Dempster, after just their fourth win of the season.

The points were shared around with the three American imports leading the way.

Jeremy Combs scored a game high 26, live wire Alex Robinson Junior 24, and Andrew Jones 17.

Hayden Jones also had another strong game with 15 points.

It was the first of three games in seven days with the Giants playing in Tauranga on Friday before returning to the Trafalgar Centre to face the Manawatū Jets at 1pm on Sunday.