Sharks bounce back with win over Huskies

The SIT Zero Fees Southland Sharks took on the Sky Tower Auckland Huskies in the second half of their ’09 roadtrip and head home 1-1 after winnings tonight's clash 102-87.

It was an outstanding all-round performance for the Sharks with six players scoring in double figures. Captain Dom Kelman-Poto with a monster double-double (21 points, 14 rebounds, 6 assists) and the hand of Burton (20 points, 6-8 3PM) the standouts.

Right out the gate, it was the men from the deep south with the hot hands, knocking down five early threes and opening their account on a huge 20-4 run.

It took a few minutes, but thanks to the energetic youngster Zach Riley and veteran import Chris Johnson, the Huskies managed to find a way back into the ball game.

Photo: Southland Sharks star Josh Cunningham. Pic: Photosport

Straight out of the first-quarter break there were scenes of deja vu. Two quick triples from the Sharks en route to an 11-3 run forced Huskies Coach Aaron Young to burn a timeout.

However, the Huskies once again found a way to claw their way back into the contest, finding themselves with a nine-point deficit to overcome heading into halftime.

With the hot hand of Alonzo Burton torching the net from three, Johnson and Brook Ruscoe took on the bulk of the scoring load and combined for 20 points at the break.

A back-and-forth start to the third quarter ensured the lead wouldn’t get much bigger.

Both sides kept fighting hard on both ends, but it was the visitors who extended their lead ever so slightly, going into the last spell of action with a comfortable 13-point lead.

Alonzo Burton continued to fire trey bombs, keeping the hot hand, and knocking down a deep triple with around six to go.

The young Huskies side fought tirelessly throughout the contest, but it wasn't enough to take this one out against the Sharks.

Auckland Huskies (87) lost to Southland Sharks (102) - BOXSCORE

Huskies: Chris Johnson (16pts & 4rbs), Sean Murphy (12pts, 10rbs & 3ast), Brook Ruscoe (13pts & 3rbs).

Sharks: Dom Kelman-Poto (21pts, 14rbs & 6ast), Alonzo Burton (20pts & 5ast), Courtney Belger (12pts, 6rbs & 5ast).