Nelson Giants to come up to a busy weekend with a huge milestone
Go Giants Go!
It is going to be a massive weekend ahead for the Fico Finance Nelson Giants with 2 games back to back and also a huge milestone for a key player. This weekend Phill Jones clocks up his 350th game!
OceanaGold Nuggets (4-2) v Fico Finance Nelson Giants (6-2)
When: Friday, May 9, 7pm
Where: Edgar Centre, Dunedin
Last meeting: Giants defeated the Nuggets 87-72 Semi-Final (July 13, 2013)
Referees: Melony Wealleans, Hayden Pipe, Nick Naylor
Notes
After a shock loss at home to Taranaki, the fourth placed Nuggets play the Giants who are third. It will be the first time the two teams met since last year’s semi, Giants outscoring the Nuggets 28-9 in the final quarter for the 87-72 win. After a relatively slow start to the season, forward Warren Carter has increased his production, averaging 24 points and 10.7 rebounds in his last three games. Carter will face fellow American Jamal Boykin who is leading the team in scoring (21.5) and rebounds (8). Nuggets are struggling from behind the arc, shooting a league low 19.6%, so far this season starters Troy Payne, Carter and Micah Lepaio have combined to shoot 2/42 (4.7%).
Zerofees Southland Sharks (3-3) v Fico Finance Nelson Giants (6-2)
When: Saturday, May 10, 7pm
Where: ILT Stadium, Invercargill
Last meeting: Sharks defeated Giants 92-81, Grand Final (July 14, 2013)
Referees: Melony Wealleans, Hayden Pipe, Nick Naylor
Notes
Southland will have an opportunity to beat another top four team in the Giants who won five of their last six. Kevin Braswell is averaging 32.3 points in three wins compared to 14.6 in three losses. After missing five games due to a hamstring injury, Brian Conklin returns to the line up. Nelson will have plenty of motivation as they were defeated by Southland in last year’s Grand Final. Southland won the game by 11, but did lead by as many as 28.
