Basketball: Airs blow third quarter lead v Jets

NZ Sports Wire

File photo by John Velvin

From down and out late in the third quarter, the Manawatu Jets sparked life back into their National Basketball League (NBL) season.

The Property Brokers Jets scored 39 points in the fourth period to overcome the Taranaki Airs 111-106 at Palmerston North's Fly Palmy Arena, while the Auckland Tuatara won their fifth straight in Sunday's Sal's NBL action.

American guard Miles Gibson scored 12 of his team-high 31 points (14/20 FG, 2/3 3pt) in the fourth to lead the Jets back from 14 points down at quarter-time, 17 down late in the third and nine back with 4:49 remaining.

Gibson, who also added nine rebounds and three steals, got the comeback going with a three to close the third quarter, before scoring five quick points in the fourth.

Corey Webster, who finished with 21 points (9/22 FG, 3/7 3pt), seven assists and two steals, hit three triples in the fourth, and Kenny Goins got in one the act too as Manawatu took the lead for the first time since early in the opening quarter with 2:55 left to play.

The Airs retook the lead twice, before Goins hit his fifth three with 1:19 to play, followed by a Gibson basket 40 seconds later for a four-point lead. Goins, who had 19 points (7/11 FG, 5/8 3pt), nine boards and eight assists, finished it off with nine seconds on the clock.

Young NZ guard Dontae Russo-Nance also starred for the Jets, with 22 points (7/15 FG, 3/5 3pt, 5/7 FT), while Isaac Miller-Jose also had eight points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals.

Owen Foxwell almost willed Taranaki to the victory, scoring a game-high 35 points (11/20 FG, 5/8 3pt, 8/9 FT), with five boards, nine assists and three steals, with Kiwi big Jack Andrew managing 15 points (6/8 FG), six rebounds and three blocks.

Australian centre Harry Froling had 18 points (7/11 FG, 3/6 3pt) and four rebounds, Armon Fletcher 17 points (6/11 FG), four boards, three assists and three steals, Quintin Bailey 10 points and five rebounds, and Carlin Davison nine points, six boards and seven assists.

Next up, the Jets (4-4) stay at home to host the neighbouring Hawke's Bay Hawks (4-3) on Friday (tip-off 7.30pm), while the Airs (4-3) are off until an Easter Monday (tip-off 6.30pm) showdown with the Tuatara (5-3) in New Plymouth.

Manawatu swept Sunday with a 46-30 win over the Airs in the Sky Broadband Rapid League, thanks to guard Tyson Thata's 20 points.

Manawatu Jets 111 (Miles Gibson 31, Dontae Russo-Nance 22, Corey Webster 21, Kenny Goins 19) Taranaki Airs 106 (Owen Foxwell 35, Harry Froling 18, Armon Fletcher 17, Jack Andrew 15, Quintin Bailey 10). 1Q: 18-32, HT: 48-54, 3Q: 72-85.