Navy v Red (91-83) 

It was a battle of the Big 3s as Red clashed with Navy on Tuesday. Navy come through with the W, 91 – 83, but it wasn’t until the latter stages of the game, that the outcome was decided.

Team Navy’s Big 3 consisting of two Canterbury U19 players, James Levings (20) and Nick Erwood (27), and Canterbury U21 guard, Ethan Rusbatch (28), combined for a massive 75 points on an efficient 34/56 FG shooting. Rusbatch put together an impressive double-double adding 19 boards to his 28 points. However, Team Red’s own Big 3 of NZ Breaker development players, George Love (22) and Matt Campbell (34), and NZ U18 Koru guard Taylor Britt (12) added 68 points with the latter two really stroking it from three point land.

Initial slow help rotations by Navy, plus the absence of normal center and rim protector, Kieran Ball, gave George Love some easy buckets underneath as Taylor Britt and Matt Campbell dropped 4 and 5 dimes respectively and it was in fact the Kevin Greenfield coached Red who were up one at half time. Some strong defensive stops and an offensive blitz straight after the half time break meant that the Ben Sheat coached Navy ran out to a bit of a lead which they would hold onto for the rest of the game.

Blue v White (92 - 73)

In the other game the unbeaten White team were put on the back foot early on by a rampant blue team that scored on its first six possessions. Inga Solufuti (26) established himself in the point forward role and Zach Dwan stepped up to be the prime time scorer (26) assisted by Nathan Campbell (13) and Harley Campbell (10). The ususal "Race Track" white team was slowed by some solid defense and struggled to get the game at the pace they wanted it at. James Cawthorn (27) played well for his points. Meanwhile Oli Davies had an off night but still managed 15 points. Jozef Knottenbelt was away which may not have helped Whites cause. Final score Blue 92 - White 73.

U22 Red vs Navy Box Score 04.12.12.htm