The Canterbury Rams remain undefeated to start the season, beating the reigning champion Wellington Saints 111-89 in the first-ever game at Parakiore Recreation & Sports Centre.
RAMS — 111
Tamenang Choh | 28 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists
Walter Brown | 21 points, 13 rebounds, 2 blocks
Todd Withers | 19 points, 5 three-pointers made, 1 block
SAINTS — 89
Elijah Pepper | 23 points, 6 assists, 4 steals
Carlin Davison | 17 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists
Donte Ingram| 20 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists
Star guard Tamenang Choh opened the account for the Rams, knocking down a self-created jumpshot off the dribble over Carlin Davison.
Showtime arrived at Parakiore early as Taylor Britt threw a behind-the-back alley-oop pass to Ihaka Cate on a fastbreak.
Walter Brown was aggressive attacking the basket, drawing help and finding Jack Andrew with a no-look bounce pass. Brown’s slashing continued, getting downhill off a handoff to extend the Rams’ lead to double digits.
The Rams entered half-time with a 59-41 lead over the Saints.
The basket was looking wide to the Rams coming out of the break, with Brown and Britt immediately cashing in a triple each.
Britt then vaulted the ball up the court for a quick-release Todd Withers triple, his third of five makes on the night.
Scoring at will, Brown knocked down a fadeaway three-pointer at the end of the shot clock to raise the lead to 86-68.
As the game winded down, Choh put on a show for the home crowd, bringing the house down with a pair of high-flying dunks.
The Canterbury Rams next home game is 3:00pm Sunday, May 3 against the Otago Nuggets — tickets are available now!
