The Dunedin Barbarians completed another basketball clinic to hand their nearest rival, the Mako Sharks a 50-point 117-67 hiding on Saturday. The Tiger Sharks also opened their account with a 79-69 wire-to-wire victory over Central Otago.
The issue with 50 point wins is that there is very little to write about although the talented Dunedin combo deserve so much more than just a few sentences.
The teams played out an even first quarter (18-18 at the break) but then Dunedin kicked clear in the second and never looked back, powering to its second 50-point win in as many outings. That second quarter explosion saw them score 37 points in 10 minutes and that was all she wrote!
Again it was a balanced scoring effort with six players in double figures, all flashing at the offensive end. Aaron Roydhouse was perhaps the most impressive of the men in blue, scoring 24 and dominating the offensive glass. Darcy Knox is all class and has shown why he is easily NBL-calibre talent, easing his way to 21 without breaking a sweat. Two former Southland Sharks Ollie Smith (19) and Josh Aitcheson (17) were also in everything whilst Paden Kennedy added 19.
In a disappointing afternoon from the Makos, only Andrew Wheeler (17) and Rhys Smolenski (15) are worthy of a mention.
In happier news for the locals, the Tiger Sharks continued their recent improvement with a 79-69 victory over Central Otago.
The damage was done early, with the Tigers holding Central to just 7 first quarter points and maintaining a double figure lead most of the rest of the way.
Having said that, Central did get to within four late in the third, but the Tigers closed on a 14-4 run to repel what amounted to the visitor's final effort.
Matt Maginn top scored with 17 while youngsters Ethan Mitchell (16) and Quake Webster (12) impressed. Tom Cowie played a captain's knock and was in everything with 11 points, 9 assists and 9 rebounds. Former Otago Nugget Sam King was the pick for Central with his 22 points and 9 rebounds.
POINTS TABLE AFTER WEEK 4
Dunedin Barbarians 3-0 (+107 points diff)
Mako Sharks 2-2 (-28)
Central Otago 1-2 (-17)
Tiger Sharks 1-3 (-62)