IAN ANDERSON

One win would keep them in contention, two could almost put them in the driving seat.

The Waikato Pistons head south today to start a double-header weekend in the National Basketball League that is again critical to their playoffs hopes.

Coach Pero Cameron’s side face the Nelson Giants tonight and the Canterbury Rams tomorrow, knowing two victories would push them into the top four – good enough for a playoff spot if they can maintain that place by the end of the regular season.

The 8-6 Giants are fourth, one spot ahead of the Pistons, while the Rams picked up their second win of the 2014 NBL season last weekend but are still bottom of the 10-team table.

“It’s coming down to the crunch – we need wins to go through,” Cameron admitted.

“Any of the bottom four teams are able to get five or six wins out of seven, they could go through to the playoffs too. Anyone can be beaten on any given night.

“It’s a tough league – we’ve had some Aussie rep players saying it’s a tough, physical league. There’s no cellar-dwellers now, they’re all hard teams to beat.”

When the two sides met in Hamilton two rounds ago, the hosts impressed with an 88-69 victory. They were paced by 28 points from point guard Corin Henry, while fellow import Akeem Wright greatly limited the contribution of prolific Giants small forward Josh Pace.

Henry also led Waikato’s scoring in last weekend’s tense home win over the Manawatu Jets, and Cameron praised the former Sydney Kings player, who is averaging 18.8 points, 5.3 assists, 3.9 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game.

“He’s one of the most athletic guys on the court, despite being a small guy,” Cameron said.

“He’s a unique individual – he’s very smart, he knows how to play. He’s come from a tough background and brings a lot of toughness and smartness to our team.”

With centre Jack Salt departing recently to start his US college career, and Thomas Abercrombie unavailable, Cameron has needed extra production from his bench – and got it from Dyson King-Hawea, who is now a key contributor.

“He’s coming on in leaps and bounds and playing really well for us,” Cameron acknowledged of the 21-year-old 2m forward, son of former NBL player Parlane Hawea.

– Waikato Times

http://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/