The NBS Nelson Giants showed renewed urgency on their latest back-to-back road trip in the Sal’s NBL, splitting results against the Hawke’s Bay Hawks and Tauranga Whai.
In Napier on Thursday night, the Giants produced one of their most complete performances of the season, beating the Hawks 94-85.
Kruz Perrott-Hunt was in immaculate form, pouring in 27 points and hauling down 15 rebounds in a dominant display.
New American import Shane Gatling also made an immediate impact, adding a game-high 29 points and showing exactly why Giants management were eager to bring him into the squad.
Alex McNaught was his usual tenacious self, scoring 15 points and giving Hawks star Keanu Rasmussen constant problems at the defensive end. It was a strong all-round showing from Nelson, with Tohi Smith Milner’s foul trouble forcing extended minutes for Sam Dempster and Eemi Luukkonen.
Less than 48 hours later, the Giants backed up in the Bay of Plenty, falling 69-58 to the Tauranga Whai.
The entire roster defended with intensity and contested every possession, but fatigue was evident on offence, with the Giants often coming up short on mid-range and three-point attempts.
Tohi and Kruz both pulled down 11 rebounds, underlining the team’s defensive commitment, but with Liam Judd top scoring for Nelson with just 12 points, the task was always going to be difficult.
The Giants return home this Saturday afternoon to face competition heavyweights Southland, keen to build on the positives shown during their North Island trip.
