Basketball: Airs look to break losing streak in tonight's match

Photo: John Velvin

The Taranaki Airs will be looking to halt a seven-game losing streak when they host the Tauranga Whai at TSB Stadium on Friday night.

The Airs remain anchored to the bottom of the Sal's NBL ladder but showed signs of improvement in their latest outing against competition leaders Auckland Tuatara.

Taranaki stunned the Tuatara by taking a 48-33 halftime lead before Auckland stormed back with a dominant third quarter on the way to a 90-69 victory.

The collapse extended the Airs' losing run but also provided evidence they can compete with the league's best when they put together sustained periods of quality basketball.

American centre James Moors again impressed with 20 points and 11 rebounds against Auckland and looms as a key figure against a Tauranga side that has struggled on the boards throughout the season.

Point guard Aaron Cook Jr will also be crucial for the home side after contributing 18 points against the Tuatara. Cook is averaging 14 points and almost seven assists a game this season.

The Whai arrive in New Plymouth with renewed confidence after ending a six-game losing streak and backing it up with a second straight win over the Nelson Giants.

Former Tall Black Reuben Te Rangi continues to lead Tauranga's offence and shapes as the biggest threat to the Airs. Te Rangi is averaging more than 25 points per game and is shooting at an impressive 62%.

The visitors also boast one of the competition's most dangerous perimeter scorers in Taine Murray, who is averaging nearly 20 points a game.

The sides have already met once this season, with the Whai claiming an 87-65 victory in Tauranga in April.

Taranaki's defence and ability to force turnovers could be key on Friday night. The Airs lead the league in turnover margin and rank second for steals, but have struggled in other areas, including scoring and rebounding.

For coach John White's side, the challenge is turning encouraging patches into a complete 40-minute performance.

Friday's game tips off at 7.30pm at TSB Stadium, with the Rapid League match scheduled for 6.30pm.