Canterbury Rampages 2001 - 10 June: Rams @ Hawks

The WestpacTrust Canterbury Rams finished their busy week of games, securing a thrilling win versus The Mighty Hawks in Napier on Sunday afternoon, 83-81.

win was vital for the Rams who are battling with a number of teams for a top four placing to earn them a spot in this year’s National Basketball League playoffs.

It was an outstanding performance by the Rams, especially considering the 26 point loss against the Titans the night before, the long road journey from Hamilton to Napier and also factoring in the fatigue from playing a home game against the Nuggets on Thursday.

The Rams had a horror start to the game, mustering only 12 points in the first quarter. The Hawks held the Rams explosive duo of John ‘Pope’ Whorton and Dave Langrell scoreless.

However the second quarter belonged to the Rams as they outscored the Hawks 30-17 to bring a five point lead into half-time. Whorton was unstoppable, contributing 10 points in a spectacular 20-2 run for the visitors. Langrell also found his shooting range with five points and Carlo Varricchio had three assists commanding the Rams offence.

The third quarter ended well for the Hawks after a pair of Willie Burton three pointers manufactured a two point lead.

The lead chopped and changed three times over the first three minutes of the final quarter with Whorton and Andrew Gardiner scoring and rebounding extremely effectively inside. The Rams were able to open up a seven point margin, only to see the majority of that disappear after the sharp-shooting Puke Lenden scored two three point baskets with four minutes left.

However, the Rams were able to score three lay-ups over the next two minutes to bring the lead back out to five. The Hawks fought back after three pointers from Willie Burton and Shaun McCreedy combined with the Rams missing five free throw attempts.

The last few seconds of the game was perhaps one of the most thrilling NBL game finishes to date this season. The Rams held a two point lead after Varricchio scored his second free throw attempt. The Hawks were able to inbound the ball and Burton launched a shot from half-way. The basket went in, much to the delight of the Napier crowd. However it was judged that the shot had not left Burton was disallowed, leaving the ’s hands before the final buzzer had sounded so the basket final result as a 83-81 Rams victory.

Canterbury's Whorton top scored with 25 points, pulling down 9 rebounds. Gardiner and captain Langrell notched up 15 points each. In the final quarter alone Gardiner scored eight hard-worked points and grabbed four rebounds. Jon Disher and Luke Ruscoe also contributed strongly with 10 points apiece.

Burton, who was playing in his 319th NBL game, had an impressive outing with 17 points, 13 rebounds, 3 steals and 4 blocked shots. Promising juniors Lenden and Arthur Trousdell compiled 19 and 12 points respectively.

The Rams sit in fourth place on the NBL table with a four win-four loss record. They are positioned behind the Titans, Saints and Auckland and have the bye over the next round.

Canterbury's next game is at home in Christchurch against the North Harbour PoeNamo Kings on Sunday 24 June with a 2pm tip-off.

Visitors: WestpacTrust Canterbury Rams

Name

3 Pt

PTS

ORB

DRB

AST

MIN

* David Langrell

5/13

3/8

2/4