THE Nelson Giants have managed to overcome a valiant effort from the Southland Sharks in the New Zealand National Basketball League (NZNBL) action at Trafalgar Centre on Saturday night.

While it was not one of the most anticiapted matchups given the two sides are in the middle of very different seasons in terms of success, the game still provided plenty of entertainment for fans as Southland produced one of their better performances of the 2022 season.

The Giants came into the game as the heavily favoured side, as they sat in second spot on the ladder, which was vastly superior than that of their opponents, who were at the bottom of the ladder coming into the contest.

However, these predictions were in doubt in the final term of the game, as the Sharks looked to chip away at a massive three-quarter time deficit, although their efforts fell short. The final margin sat at eight points, but it showed that Southland had the ability to push even the best sides.

The win sees the Giants improve to nine wins and four losses on the season, with top spot well and truly within reach if they can chase down the ladder-leading Turatara in the coming weeks. On the other hand, the Sharks fall to 3-10, becoming the first side to reach double-digit losses for season 2022.

Alonzo Mourning III was again at the forefront for the Giants, recording another double-double of 34 points and 12 rebbounds, with both totals proving to be a game-high. Also impressing was guard Jarrod West, who notched up an eye-catching 18 points and 12 dimes, always looking to create on the offensive end.

For the Sharks, young gun Mojave King was the biggest contributor in a brave team effort. The Adelaide 36er finished with a team-high 22 points, doing his best work inside the paint, making six of his seven attempts from this range.

While the Giants led for the entirety of the contest, the opposition kept themselves in the game in the first half of play. It seemed there was every chance they would be able to conjure a miracle win, but Nelson broke away in a dominant third term. While the Sharks produced their best quarter of the game in the fourth, the damage was already done and they fell by just under 10 points.

Next up, the Giants are set to take on the Manawatu Jets at Trafalgar Centre on Wednesday night, while the Sharks will be keen to get back on the winners’ list when they take on the Turatara on Friday evening at Eventfinda Stadium.