ARTICLE BY GEORGE BERRY

In their final home game for the season, the Canterbury Rams will be looking to put the stamp on what has been a very impressive season when they take on the Nelson Giants on Thursday night.

In last Saturday’s game, the Rams thrashed the Taranaki Mountainairs 101-70. Despite being without point guard McKenzie Moore, the Rams had their most convincing performance of the season, winning all four quarters.

The match was a perfect platform into Thursday night’s match and the playoffs in Tauranga. Six Canterbury players reached over double-digits, Ethan Rusbatch the leading scorer with 20 points on 7-11 shooting. The Rams inserted Marcus Alipate into the starting line-up and he responded with scored 19 points and a career high 10 assists.

Mark Dickel and his coaching staff will be hoping that last week’s team shooting performance of 54% will be mirrored in this week’s game. It will give them the edge over the Giants who sit just outside of the top 4.

Nelson will be a great challenge for the Rams as they split the games 1-1 so far. Kyle Adnan will be a threat on the offensive end for the Rams, who will hope to defuse his shooting form that has stood out prominently this season. If the Rams continue their recent form of rebounding and defensive strength, they should be able to give the Rams home fans one last celebration before they head to Tauranga to try and bring a championship home.

Come early to watch Cashmere vs Shirley Boys High School tipoff at 4:45pm. Cashmere is coached by Rams assistant coach Ben Sheat, and alumni of Cashmere is captain Ethan Rusbatch. Shirley Boys High has developed many past former Rams including Nat Connell & Lionel Hopgood. This will be a great match up of some good local talent, be sure to come check it out!

The game tips off at 7pm tomorrow night (Thursday) at Cowles Stadium.

Get your tickets here: https://nz.patronbase.com/_RAMS/Productions