Basketball: Heavy loss for Airs on the road

File photo by John Velvin

The Taranaki Airs have slumped to a heavy road loss, beaten 87-65 by the Tauranga Whai in Sal’s NBL action.

The Airs struggled to generate consistent offence throughout, with the Whai controlling large stretches of the game and capitalising on open looks across the floor.

It marked a contrast to the Airs’ first two games, when they had dominated the final two quarters to secure wins.

Taine Murray again led the way for the home side with 22 points and nine rebounds, while Xanda Marsters added 24 points on efficient shooting and Jayden Bezzant chipped in with 18.

For the Airs, Taane Samuel provided a spark with 14 points, while Aaron Cook Jr had 12 points and nine assists and Marcel Jones added 13 points and six rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to keep pace.

The Whai’s ability to create space and convert their chances proved decisive, as they pulled away to secure a convincing win.

Earlier, the Airs’ Rapid League side also fell short, going down 34-24 in a low-scoring contest.

Both teams struggled offensively, with the Whai taking a narrow 9-5 lead after the opening quarter before extending their advantage in a second half where points were hard to come by.

The decisive factor came on the boards, with the Whai dominating the paint 32 rebounds to 10, helping them control possession and edge clear.

Lyric Tuhaka led the Airs with eight points, while Joshua Kelly and Flynn Rapson top-scored for the Whai with nine apiece.