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RAMS
OVERCOME GIANTS IN FRONT OF CAPACITY CROWD
18 MARCH 2001
By
Piet Van Hasselt
A raucous Rangiora crowd spurred the WestpacTrust
Canterbury Rams to a close victory over the
Nelson Giants in preseason action on Saturday
night, 59-56.
The Rangiora Recreation Centre was full to
capacity as it hosted an end-to-end, high-flying
exhibition of basketball. The match atmosphere
was very intense with both teams wanting to build
some positive momentum going into the upcoming
season.
The first half ended with a strong Giants run to
lead 35-30. However a stunning sequence of play
from Rams Captain Dave Langrell gave the Rams
supporters hope for the second half.
The third quarter was a rugged encounter with
both teams raising their defensive
intensity. The Rams took advantage when the
Giants could not score a field goal during a
seven-minute period to tie the game up 43-all at
the end of the period.
The fourth quarter began steadily with the Rams
building a five-point advantage, 48-43. The
Giants responded with a strong run ending with
two consecutive baskets from young Mika Vukona to
lead 56-52 with three minutes remaining.
However, that was the last time the Giants scored
and Rams swingman Luke Ruscoe sparked a thrilling
comeback, beginning with a hard-worked
three-point play. This was followed closely
by a basket from veteran Craig Farrant, giving
the Rams the lead 57-56. After a
Giants’ miss, Ruscoe was fouled and coolly
slotted both free throws to put the Rams up for
good, 59-56.
Ruscoe led the Rams in scoring with 13 points,
followed by Langrell (11), and Farrant (8).
Tall Black Andrew Gardiner impressed in his first
outing with the Rams contributing seven points
and providing solid interior defence.
American Chuck Glasper led the Giants in scoring
with 12 points, followed by point guard Judd
Flavell (11) and Damon Rampton (10).
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