April 10 2015
The Canterbury Rams have made it two from two at home in the National Basketball League, upsetting the Southland Sharks 94-92 in Christchurch on Friday night.
Canterbury captain Ethan Rusbatch scored a season high 27, including five for five three pointers while Richie Edward, who was inserted into the starting lineup, collected his third straight twenty point haul of 21.
The Sharks trailed by seven in the opening period, but managed to win the second and third quarters to hold an eight-point lead heading into the fourth.
However, the home side rallied to win the fourth quarter by ten, putting them into the top four with two wins and one loss.
Southland forward Tai Wesley put up an incredible stat-line of 26 points, 16 rebounds, four steals and four blocks in what would have been a certain player of the week performance had they won.
Todd Blanchfield had 26, but again he couldn't find his three point range, going 3/13. Kevin Braswell picked up his scoring from last week with 22, but the rest of the team struggled shooting a combined 7/28 for 18 points.
Canterbury got much better production from their point guard Jeremy Kench who added 14, and American Kyle Coston put up an efficient 16.
On Saturday the Sharks have a chance to make amends when travel to Nelson to play the Mike Pero Nelson Giants who are yet to be defeated at 2-0.
Canterbury Rams 94 (Richie Edwards 21, Ethan Rusbatch 27, Kyle Coston 16, Jeremy Kench 14) Southland Sharks 92 (Todd Blanchfield 26, Kevin Braswell 22, Tai Wesley 26). 1Q: 30-23, 2Q: 48-48, 3Q: 66-74
