The Mike Pero Nelson Giants have secured their first win in the SalsNBL as they grabbed an impressive 107-94 win over the EnviroNZ Franklin Bulls at the Franklin Pool & Leisure Centre in Pukekohe on Saturday.
The Giants managed to slow down a Bulls offence that has enjoyed an up-tempo style of play to date and carried them to successive wins before being stopped in their tracks back on home court.
The visitors came out of the gates hot, hitting shots and creating space while the Bulls were laboured and found themselves in early foul trouble and frustrated by with the aggressive Giants defence.
The visitors pressed hard, particularly on star imports Josh Selby and Zane Waterman.
Selby was still a big threat with the ball, hitting 36 points, which included six of 11 from downtown while Waterman finished with 20 and 14 for his third straight double double.
The Giants spread the scoring load and found success all over the hardwood with all five starters recording double digit scoring.
A fourth quarter comeback looked on briefly as the Bulls raced back from 23 points down at one stage to get within three before the Giants closed it out.
Point guard Hunter Hale thrived in the scrappy affair, was a nuisance all night without the ball and came up with some crucial steals. He finished with a stuffed stat sheet that included 23 points, nine boards, nine assists and five steals.
Scorers
Giants: Hunter Hale 23pts & 9 ass, Donte Ingram 19pts & 10 rebounds, Thomas Ingham 15pts & 4 rebounds
Bulls: Josh Selby 66pts & 6rbs, Zane Waterman 20pts & 14 rebounds, Jaylen Gerrand 10pts.
