The SIT Zero Fees Southland Sharks chalked up another win at the Sal's NBL Blitz in Palmerstson North tonight, defeating the Manawatu Jets 53-41.
Whilst the performances and on-court chemistry is more important than wins, leading in to the tip-off of the NBL this Thursday, Head Coach Judd Flavell was again happy to take the win and, just as importantly, come through the game unscathed.
It was good to get Chief (Alex Pledger) out on court tonight for the first time. We've got to manage the guys who have played big minutes for the Tall Blacks at Commonwealth Games. We'll be smart with Reuben (Te Rangi) and it was good to get Pledge's toes back in the water tonight. We saw Derone take the game over in the second half tonight, running the offence through him and it suited him to make good decisions and reap the rewards," Flavell said.
Raukawa finished with a game-high 23 to go with 4 assists and 3 rebounds in a dominant all-round performance. Pledger chimed in with 11 points, 6 rebounds and a block.
The Jets lead for the whole first half, but once the Sharks got their noses in front, they were never headed, riding Raukawa's coat-tails to a third successive win in the pre-season tournament.
In other games tonight the Giants beat the Saints 51-48, Airs beat Rangers 67-58 and Rams beat Hawks 53-41.
The Sharks complete their pre-season against the Nelson Giants at 9am on Sunday.
SHARKS v JETS BOXSCORE
