NZL - Jones top Kiwi

AUCKLAND (NBL) - NBS Nelson Giants guard Phill Jones became the highest scoring Kiwi in National Basketball League history when he led his team to a 104-100 home win over the Waikato Pistons.

Jones entered the game needing 16 points to surpass the 4409 points amassed by former Tall Black team-mate Byron Vaetoe during his career and finished with 22 points (6/14 FG, 5/8 3pt, 5/6 FT) to spearhead a tough victory over the defiant guests.

Waikato were licking their wounds from a 31-point loss to St Laurence Wellington Saints on national TV the previous night, but were never out of contention against a team already assured of a semifinal spot. They were only two points down after Ben Hill hit a three-pointer with 12 seconds remaining, but were forced to foul Jones in a bid to regain possession and the sharpshooter made no mistake with his free throws to put the game beyond their reach.

American Josh Pace had 20 points, fellow import Eric Freeman returned from a shoulder injury with 17 points (7/11 FG, 2/2 3pt, 1/1 FT), while veteran centre Ed Book had a "double double" of 15 points/10 rebounds.

For Waikato, point guard Luke Martin led the way with 21 points (7/11 FG, 4/6 3pt, 3/4 FT) and reserve centre Blake Truslove matched Book's production with 14 points/11 rebounds.

Nelson (13-4) will close their regular season with a trip south to face Otago Nuggets next Saturday. Waikato (4-13) host the NZCT Taranaki Mountain Airs the same night.

After proving tough to beat at home this season, the Nuggets hit a pothole on the road when they capitulated 78-103 to Appliance Shed Harbour Heat at the North Shore Events Centre.

Forward Brent Charleton led all scorers with 32 points (12/18 FG, 6/9 3pt, 2/2 FT) as the home side broke their visitors with a 30-16 second quarter.

American Jamal Kendrick compiled a "double double" of 17 points/11 rebounds.

For the Nuggets, American guard Brandon Morris had 20 points, while centre Miles Pearce continued to press his claims for the league rebounding title with his 12 boards and 18 points.

The Heat (7-10) finish their season with a home game against Easy LPG Bay Hawks next Saturday and Otago (3-13) must still face GI Juice Auckland Stars tomorrow.

In game with no playoff ramifications, Scenic Circle Canterbury Rams ended Inspire Net Manawatu Jets' season with a 108-90 defeat in Palmerston North.

American Sam Spann led the Rams with 27 points (11/14 FG, 1/1 3pt, 4/5 FT) and 11 rebounds, while Jets import Ryan Randle had 32 points (13/18 FG, 6/8 FT). Manawatu played without injured Australian point guard Brad Davidson.

Canterbury (6-10) return to the North Island next week to play Taranaki and Wellington on Friday and Saturday respectively. The Jets finish their season with an 8-10 record and currently hold fifth spot.

National Basketball League results

Appliance Shed Harbour Heat 103 (Brent Charleton 32, Jamal Kendrick 17, Hayden Allen 14, Troy McLean 10)
Otago Nuggets 78 (Brandon Morris 20, Miles Pearce 18, Branduinn Fullove 16, Darryl Jones 12)

Scenic Circle Canterbury Rams 108 (Sam Spann 27, Jeremy Kench 21, Dennis Trammell 20, Tim Edmonds 12)
Inspire Net Manawatu Jets 90 (Ryan Randle 32, Aaron Nowell 16, Valance McCarthy 12, Stacey Lambert 12, Clifton Bush 10)

NBS Nelson Giants 104 (Phill Jones 22, Josh Pace 20, Eric Freeman 17, Ed Book 15, Mika Vukona 13)
Waikato Pistons 100 (Luke Martin 21, Puke Lenden 18, Prem Krishna 15, Blake Truslove 14, Kit Rhymer 12, Ben Hill 10)

Grant Chapman