Sharks make the final four
Southland Sharks have reached the final four of the NBL play-offs after they thrashed the Otago Nuggets 117-93 .
It was a commanding display from the Sharks, who dominated from the outset and led 32-17 after the first quarter.
The second quarter was even more clear-cut as the hosts took it 39-18 to lead 71-35 at half-time.
SHARKS WIN – After a first half blitz the Sharks cruise to a 117-93 win over the Nuggets to lock in a Final Four spot. Dom Kelman-Poto 25p/9r, Josh Cunningham 21p/8r/9a, Brayden Inger 18p/7r & Alonzo Burton 16p/5r #SalsNBL #SharksFamily pic.twitter.com/9nNfvzrbIG
— Southland Sharks (@SouthlandSharks) July 9, 2021
Points scorers
Dom Kelman-Poto put on a sparkling display, scoring 25 points and making nine rebounds. Josh Cunningham was also fantastic; he scored 21 points, eight rebounds and nine assists.
The Nuggets fought back well after half-time but the match was dead and buried.
What it means?
The Nuggets’ top-four hopes are now in doubt after their second defeat in their last three games. They are fifth, two points behind the Auckland Huskies with two games remaining. They must win their final two games and hope for a slip-up to reach the play-offs.
The Sharks have won 12 of their 17 games to seal a place in the final-four.
Giants hammer the Bulls
Elsewhere, Nelson Giants hammered the Franklin Bulls 119-85 – their first win in four after three consecutive defeats.
They equalled the highest score of the season from any team as five Giants players scored double figures.
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