Canterbury unbeaten in S.I. basketball

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33579, 6 July 1974, Page 14

Canterbury unbeaten in S.I. basketball

(By

R. O. DEW)

Canterbury earned the admiration of its most severe critics with a splendid, 70-68, victory over the favoured Nelson side in the South Island’s men’s basketball championship in Cowles Stadium last evening.

Lacking the height advantage of previous seasons, and under the guidance of a new player-coach (T. Guthrie), Canterbury was not expected to match its northern rival. Instead, it effectively prevented Nelson’s most dangerous scoring weapon—the fast break—from functioning properly and made the most of its own opportunities. Nelson had to fall back on the individual brilliance of its tall American, B. Aldred, and he was not found lacking. With his accurate jump shooting under pressure and unobtrusive, yet very effective, defence, he was the player of the match. But not even his contribution of 24 points was sufficient to save the game for Nelson.

In their efforts to set play up for Aldred, his teammates sacrificed their own individual talents and this was Nelson’s undoing. Canterbury played a betterbalanced team game. and. surprisingly, displayed greater depth.

But the outcome was always in doubt. Apart (torn a few minutes in the middle of the first spell when Canterbury led, 22-12, there was not more than a few points between the teams. Nelson led, 32-30, at half-time. In the second spell, the lead changed hands seven times and scores were level on eight other occasions. The game was decided tn the dying seconds when the former

New Zealand junior roproeonta * tlva, R. Cooke, sank a beautiful, jump shot to break a 68*11 deadlock. But Cooke was only making amends for a foul a few* seconds earlier which might have cost Canterbury’ the game. Canterbury was leading, <B-67. with 15sec remaining when the Nelson captain. D. Taylor, was fouled by Cooke. He sank one, of his two free throws, levelling the scores, and extra Um* seemed Inevitable before Cook* sent the winning shot sailing through the hoop. FERGUSON EXCELS Th* 6ft tin New Zealand trlalist, S. Ferguson, was Canter bury’s outstanding player, freeing himself expertly and show , Ing great accuracy with his shooting. He scored 1# points. R Millard did sterling work under the boards and Guthrie led his side by example In the mid court position. He stole a lot of ball and was quick io turn th* slightest chance to his advantage The form of the second-half replacements wss impressive., too. Cooke and C. R. Dickel both contributed much to the vieton. and S. Patrick played an effev the defensive role.

Apart from Aldred, who «i> far superior to his team-mates, only the 6ft 9in New Zealand representative. S. Hill, and Taylor were near their best for Nelson. HUI was always a danger close to the basket but spent th» last vital five minutes sitting on the bench with five fouls. Although beaten, Nelson Is almost certain to qualify for a place in the final against Canterbury tomorrow afternoon Otago beaten Earlier in the day. Nelson had no difficulty accounting for the title-holder, Otago, 117-55. After the first few minutes, the game developed into a surprisingly one-sided affair and when halftime was reached, Nelson war well in command 151-49). Otago was without its high scoring former New Zealand representative, J. Whelan, and Its position was severely aggra vated when its captain. G. Allen, was forced to leave the court with an ankle injury in the middle of the first half. Canterbury looked rather leas than comfortable in beating Marlborough, 86-71, in Its earlv match It led all the way but was never allowed to relax its efforts. Women's games Otago came from behind In the closing minutes to defeat Nelson, 51-48. in the most spectacular match of the women s championship. The lead Aanged many times before the end These two teams are almost certain to meet again in the final tomorrow. Earlier, Otago defeated Canterbury. 77-58, after leading 44-29 at half-time. Canterbury will meet Nelson and South Canterbury today and needs to win at least one of these games to qualify for the New Zealand championship later in the season. Results were:— MEN Nelson 117 CW. Aldred 22. A Harding 18, D. Taylor 16) beat Otago 55 (S. Whitly 12, J. Fyfe 10, G. Allen 8). Canterbury 86 (S. Ferguson 16, R. Millard 15. B. Shipley 15, C. R. Dickel 8, T. Guthrie R. Cullicutt 8, S. Patrick 8, R Cooke 2. R. Manhire 0. D. Green 0) beat Marlborough 71 (f. Gillen 24. S. Ricketts 18. P. Rain bird 10). Marlborough 85 (J. Welsh 37, S. Ricketts 20) beat South Canterbury 63 (K. Murray 28. P. Ross 12). Canterbury 70 (Ferguson 10, Guthrie 10, Cooke 10, Manthie 8, Millard 8, Shipley 6. Diclel 6, Patrick 31 beat Nelson 68 (Eldred 24. S. Hill 19, Taylor 9, J. Logan 8). WOMEN

Nelson 74 (M. Purnell 12. K Hoddy 12. E. Heston 1!) beat South Canterbury 32 (D Rodger son 12. K. Hobson 8). Otago 77 (A. Stephens T 9. A Broere 13, L. Houston 8) beat Canterbury 53 (C. Chaplin ?7. S Kearney 9 J. Armstrong I, 8 Constable 8, M. Fnstler I Otago 51 beat Nelson 48