Creek's Mets Move On To Semis

Our contracted players were back on the court in the past week as their off-season teams head towards finals or the pointy end of their home and away seasons. Let's check in on how they performed.

Mets Start Strong in Finals Campaign

It was a whitewash in the first round of the playoffs for Mitch Creek and Mets de Guaynabo as they eliminated Capitanes de Arecibo going 4-0 in the series to advance to the semis.

The Capitanes took it up to the Mets in the first half of Game 4 last Tuesday, taking a six-point lead (45-52) into the main break as they looked to keep their season alive. The Mets though fought back and showed their class, out-scoring Capitanes 47-35 in the second half, taking the win by six points (92-86).

Mitch Creek was pivotal in his team's performance throughout the first round of the playoffs, averaging 18.75 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1.3 steals across the four games.

The Mets now move on to the semi-finals, where they take on the Gigantes de Carolina, who took out their series 4-2 over Piratas de Quebradillas.

You can watch ALL Mets games via their YouTube channel.

(Creek and the Mets move onto the semis after taking the first stage 4-0.)

Te Rangi Takes the Chocolates over Rissetto

It was mate vs mate for our Kiwi players as Reuben Te Rangi's Auckland Tuatara took on Anzac Rissetto's Taranaki Airs last Thursday night.

The Airs took it up to first-placed Auckland throughout the first quarter before an 11-0 run gave Auckland a comfortable lead throughout the remainder of the game, eventually taking the victory by 12 points.

Te Rangi was massive, dropping 30 points along with four rebounds and three assists, while going 6/8 from deep. Rissetto worked hard defensively for the Airs, with three rebounds, a block and four points. 

Te Rangi's Auckland returned to the court on Sunday to take on the Canterbury Rams, notching up a 23-point victory. The Rams held the lead by two points at the main break before Auckland turned it on and ran away with the game for their 10th win in a row.

Auckland has clinched a finals position with two games remaining. Rissetto's Taranaki still has a mathematical chance of making the finals if they win their final three home-and-away games.

(Te Rangi and Auckland notched up their 10th win in a row on the weekend.)

Double-Double Domination

Gorjok Gak continues dominating at both ends of the court in NBL1 West as he records his 12th double-double for the season.

Gak's Willetton Tigers had a heartbreaking one-point loss to the Perry Lakes Hawks on Friday night. After having the lead at three-quarter time at 70-61, a last-quarter fightback from the

Hawks saw them overrun the Tigers, scoring 24-34 in the final quarter.

Gak was huge around the rim with 13 rebounds (11 defensive) and hit the scoreboard with 14 points.

(Gak had his 12th double-double on the weekend.)

Ayre Travels to France

Ben Ayre was absent from his NBL1 side over the weekend as he travelled to France for the Quasi 45, the world street championship. Out of 16 teams worldwide, Ayre was part of the eight-man squad representing Australia for the first time at the competition.

Unfortunately, the side was knocked out in the first round going down 19-28 to Ivory Coast.

(Ayre, far left, with the squad that represented Australia in France.)

Defensive Development

Austin Rapp and the Knox Raiders had an important five-point win over NW Tasmania on Saturday. As they continue to cement first position on the NBL1 South ladder, Rapp continues to develop his game.

Coming off the bench, Rapp provided key defensive moments as he added four points, two rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block. 

(Rapp going for a dunk in Saturday's win over NW Tasmania.)

The Results

Mitch Creek 

Mets de Guaynabo 92-86 Capitanes de Arecibo
Creek: 10 points, 4 rebounds, 1 steal.

Reuben Te Rangi

Auckland Tuatara 108-94 Taranaki Airs
Te Rangi: 30 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal.

Auckland Tuatara 104-81 Canterbury Rams
Te Rangi: 6 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal.

Anzac Rissetto

Taranaki Airs 94-108 Auckland Tuatara
Rissetto: 4 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assists, 1 block. 

Gorjok Gak

Willetton Tigers 94-95 Perry Lakes Hawks
Gak: 14 points, 13 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal.

Austin Rapp

Knox Raiders 85-80 NW Tasmania
Rapp: 4 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 block.

NBL24 MEMBERSHIPS ON SALE NOW

Phoenix Media (03/07/23)