Basketball: Rams join Saints, Rangers atop NZ NBL ladder

Jamie Adams of the Rams lays up during the NBL Basketball match against the Bay Hawks. Photo / Photosport

The Canterbury Rams have won their second straight and ninth win of the season defeating the Bay Hawks 95-82.

McKenzie Moore was one rebound short of a triple double with 16 points, 13 assists and nine rebounds for the Rams who have now won four of their last five, inching closer to their first playoff berth since 2002. Marcel Jones scored a game high 30, making it the fourth time he has scored 30 or more in his last five, and Rams captain Ethan Rusbatch added 18.

A 23-9 second quarter put Canterbury up 19 at halftime and after the break they would extend their lead 58-34 after scoring the first five points. But the Hawks showed fight, closing to within eight, winning the third 24-15.

The home side quickly ended any chance of a Hawks come from behind win, pushing their lead by up to 22, the Hawks now 0-14. Kareem Johnson had a double-double of 21 points and 13 rebounds, Luke Aston had 17 points, seven rebounds and four steals, and off the bench Matt Te Huna added 15 points and five assists.

NBL Ladder
Wellington Saints 18
Canterbury Rams 18
Super City Rangers 18
Southland Sharks 16
Nelson Giants 16
Taranaki Mountainairs 10
Bay Hawks 0