GEOFF LONGLEY

A below-strength Canterbury Rams scored a character-filled second win against Waikato in a week, 86-82, in extra time at Hamilton yesterday.

The Rams were playing without injured American guard Glen Dandridge, while Richie Edwards was ejected from the stadium after two technical fouls in the second quarter.

The Rams were also trailing at one stage by 22 points in the second quarter and went to the half trailing 46-31.

“It was just a great team effort from the guys to dig themselves out of a hole like they did,” said coach Dave Harrison.

Playing major minutes, captain Jeremy Kench, centre Matt Rogers, Marcel Jones and Ethan Rusbatch, with assistance from Marty Davison, who replaced Edwards, produced some gallant deeds.

Guard Kench nearly returned a triple double with 13 points, a remarkable 14 rebounds and eight points.

Rogers terrorised the Pistons from the three-point arc making seven out of 10 shots as the Rams closed the margin on his way to top scoring with 33 points.

Rusbatch netted the crucial jump shot a split-second from the end of regulation time to lock the scores up at 74-74 to send the match into overtime.

Jones put the Rams ahead with a three-pointer and they were not headed.

“I always felt we were the better team in the extra period,” Harrison said.

Harrison said the side focussed again on their defensive work after their early lapses when Waikato poured on plenty of points as Akeem Wright scored freely.

The win followed victory against the Pistons the previous weekend in Christchurch.

Waikato’s loss hurt their semifinal aspirations while the Rams lifted their season record to four wins and 11 losses.

Result: Rams 86 (Mat Rogers 33, Ethan Rusbatch 17, Marcel Jones 16, Jeremy Kench 13) Waikato 82 (Akeen Wright 21, Casey Frank 17), Corin Henry 17) HT: 46-31. Nelson 108 Otago 79, Rangers 97 Sharks 94.

– The Press

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