THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE CANTERBURY RAMS
CANTERBURY RAMPAGES 2001

Join the Rams
E-Mail List Here

RAMPAGING RAMS RUN RIOT
by Corey Brown and Piet Van Hasselt

In their most impressive performance of the 2001 National Basketball League season to date, the WestpacTrust Canterbury Rams totally outclassed and overpowered the visiting Wellington Saints 102-74, in Christchurch on Saturday night.

The game was played at a frantic pace throughout and points were rapid and easy flowing for the home team. Everything seemed to click for the Rams juggernaut, who played the game at pace and converted many fast break opportunities.

Canterbury seized control of the game immediately from the tip-off, jumping to a 26-15 lead at the end of the first quarter courtesy of three sensational three-point bombs from Carlo Varricchio and captain Dave Langrell.

The Saints would never recover such a deficit, and sustained Rams defensive pressure saw the visitors managing only seven points in the second quarter. The Saints weren't able to convert many of their opportunities, shooting 29% from the field and Canterbury were able to hold NBL points scoring weapon Terrence Lewis to only two points at the half-time for a 52-22 lead.

The Rams kept the foot on the accelerator in the second half of the match and didn't allow the Saints back into the match. The Rams century of points, brought up by a Craig Hickford free throw late in the game, confirmed the victory. As the game drew to a close the huge crowd at the WestpacTrust Centre were on their feet in appreciation of the team's comprehensive performance.

The Rams had six of their squad reach double figures in points and three grab at least ten rebounds. Andrew Gardiner claimed top scoring honours with 19 points, converting eight of his 13 field goal attempts. In his 100th regular season NBL game Langrell produced a sensational performance leading his troops by example, amassing 18 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists. Fellow guard Varricchio was also effective, with 11 points, 8 assists and 3 steals.

Forwards Craig Farrant and Jon Disher nearly scored as many points as they had minutes on the court with 17 and 12 points respectively. John "Pope" Whorton dominated play inside with 13 points and 10 rebounds and had the luxury of resting the fourth quarter as the result was effectively decided. The final period also saw notable contributions and exciting play from Rams reserves Salasopo Tulua and brothers Hayden and Boyd Smart.

For the Saints, only Terrence Lewis and Chris Webber managed to make double figures. A late burst by Lewis saw the veteran post 16 points, while Webber could only gather 14 points. The remaining Saints' line-up failed to trouble the scorers too much and the visitors were left pondering just what went wrong in their biggest loss of the season.

Earlier in the curtain raisers, Canterbury Special Olympians defeated Southern rivals Otago Special Olympians 41-20 and the Canterbury Knights comprehensively defeated the Southern Institute of Technology 94-65 in the second division competition.

The Rams are now tied with Auckland for fourth on the NBL points table with a six win, five loss record. Next week they travel north for an away double-header against Auckland on Saturday 21 July, and the PoeNamo Kings on Sunday afternoon.

WestpacTrust Canterbury Rams vs. Saints
Date: 14/7/2001   Time: 19:00   Site: WestpacTrust Centre

CyberSports for Basketball - http://www.cybersportsUSA.com