By MURRAY MCKINNON
North Harbour have a good feeling going into the national basketball league finals after a confidence-boosting 111-97 victory over the Nelson Giants.
Amid jubilant scenes with his players, Harbour coach Tracy Carpenter said he was worried at the start of the game.
"But they are a pretty confident group and
told me 'don't worry coach'," he said.
"We have improved all season. This win has given us huge confidence and I am feeling really good about the final on our home court."
Brendon Cathie-Pongia, with three three-pointers and a total of 15, had the home side ahead 39-28 at the end of the first quarter on Saturday.
However, the second quarter belonged to Nelson, with the Giants racing in two periods of nine unanswered points.
Mika Vukona pushed his way through the Harbour defence to score 10 points, with good back-up from Lance Tomo and Michael Fitchett.
Nelson were out to a six-point lead before Jeff Niwa, Cathie-Pongia and Robert Tuilave fought back to give Harbour the edge 62-60 at the break.
Robert Wilson was a tower of strength for Harbour in the second half, scoring 13 points (21 for the game) to counter the outstanding defensive rebounds taken by Nelson forward James Hamilton.
Hamilton scored 26 and Damon Johnson 20.
Cathie-Pongia - who went close to his career-best for a game, with 35 points - said Harbour stepped up their play and were ready for the big one.
"Everything fell into place for me tonight, I couldn't miss," he said. "We're ready to knock out Auckland altogether."
Rebel Sport Auckland play Harbour at home on Saturday and must win to stay in contention for a semifinals spot.
Palmerston North Jets are still in line for a playoff chance after upsetting league leaders Waikato 105-102 at home, while Wellington Saints also kept their hopes alive, beating Otago 107-94.
Harbour head the league standings with 22 points, followed by Waikato with 20, Nelson, Wellington and Palmerston North on 18 and Auckland 16.
