Basketball: Unbeaten home streak ends for Airs

The Taranaki Airs’ unbeaten home streak has come to an end after falling 82-74 to the SBS Southland Sharks in New Plymouth on Thursday night.

In a defensive battle from the outset, both teams struggled to find rhythm early with the score just 7-6 to the Sharks after the opening five minutes.

But after a sluggish start, Southland found another gear through Rylan Jones and Sam Timmins to take control in the second half.

Jones starred for the visitors with a dominant all-round display, finishing with 25 points, 12 rebounds, five steals and four assists, while also knocking down five three-pointers. Timmins added 24 points and nine rebounds as the Sharks secured their third straight win.

The Airs’ new imports showed promising signs despite the loss.

James Moors impressed with nine points, 13 rebounds and four assists before fouling out in 28 minutes, while Brandon Stroud top-scored for Taranaki with 21 points to go with six rebounds. Xavier Green added 14 points and six rebounds.

Southland’s defence and second-chance scoring proved the difference as the Sharks gradually pulled away after halftime and controlled the contest through the final two quarters.

In the Rapid League curtain-raiser, the Airs also fell short, beaten 45-30 by the Sharks.

Taranaki struggled to contain Southland’s size, conceding 24 points in the paint along with 11 second-chance points and 13 points off turnovers.

Riley Tuuta led the Airs with 17 points on an efficient 6-of-7 shooting performance, while Luka Vea contributed 10 points and six rebounds.

Tautoko Wynyard paced the Sharks with 12 points, while Quake Webster added 10 points and seven assists.

The Airs remain at home for a crucial stretch of games against the Wellington Saints on May 16, Canterbury Rams on May 24 and Manawatū Jets on May 29.