Canterbury Rampages 2001 - 1 July: Rams v Jets

A stunning individual effort from Property Brokers Jets point guard Kent Mori in the dying moments of the game deprived the WestpacTrust Canterbury Rams of an important home victory in the 2001 National Basketball League on Sunday afternoon, 66-64.

With his team down by one point and less than 20 seconds remaining on the clock the situation looked bleak for the visitors. However, Mori was able to steal the ball in the Rams back-court, drive to the basket and score a tough lay-up despite being fouled. He then cooled his nerves sufficiently to convert the bonus shot from the free throw line and edge the Jets ahead 66-64.

With just 13 seconds left to summon a reply, the Rams were unable to convert two heavily pressurized shot attempts. The visitors dramatic victory stunned the crowd as the Jets repeated it's 'Houdini act' from when the two teams met in week one at Palmerston North. On that occasion the Jets overcame a seven point deficit with only 50 seconds remaining to win 93-92.

The Jets began the game strongly, with star players Kent Mori and towering centre Ed Book propelling the visitors to an early advantage. Had it not been for a late flurry of three pointers by Rams' Carlo Varricchio and Craig Farrant (2), the Jets might have slipped away, with the visitors holding a slim 19-17 lead at the end of the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the lead swapped between the two sides on numerous occasions. Andrew Gardiner and John Whorton worked in tandem to keep Canterbury's tally ticking over and by half time the Rams were up 37-33.

The Rams sustained the momentum early in the second half and pushed their lead out to 12 points. Unfortunately for the home team, Mori's 3-point accuracy was lethal and he slotted four vital baskets to close the gap and instigate a revival in the Jet's camp. The Rams had no reply and the Jets controlled the fourth quarter, outscoring the Rams 23-12. As the final buzzer sounded, the visitors erupted, ecstatic with their come from behind triumph.

Whorton and Gardiner dominated all of the Rams major statistical categories. Whorton collected 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Gardiner continued his recent stellar form amassing 16 points, six rebounds, three assists and an incredible six steals. Varricchio was the next best for the Rams with 10 points, and Farrant shot a perfect two from two from the three point area in his tally of 8 points.

A third of the Jets points were courtesy of Ed Book, who not only scored 22 points, but also grabbed six rebounds and distributed five assists. The Jets hero was undoubtedly Mori, who chimed in with 19 points and six rebounds. Tall Black squad member Glen Newbold posted 11 points and had three blocked shots.

The Rams now share third place on the NBL points table with the Jets and Auckland, with five wins. The Waikato Titans, still unbeaten, remain on top while the Saints are not far behind.

The Rams have a bye this weekend and will face the Wellington Saints at the WestpacTrust Centre in Christchurch on 14 July, 7pm. Tickets are available at all Ticketek outlets.

Visitors: Property Brokers Jets

Name

3 Pt

PTS

ORB

DRB

AST

MIN

* Darron Larsen

1/2

1/1

0/0