A matter of 24 hours after suffering a disappointing defeat Alex Pledger has played a lead hand to ensure the Southland Sharks bounced back and fended off Hawke's Bay 101-87 in the National Basketball League game played in Napier.
The Sharks had been outclassed 111-93 by the Wellington Saints on Thursday but there was enough left in the tank to ensure they didn't slip against Hawke's Bay who have won just one of the their first six games in 2017.
Hawke's Bay was well within touch through the first half before Southland went on a 10-0 run to finish the half and lead 51-42 at the break.
It was Pledger who provided Hawke's Bay with the most trouble producing 15 first half points and nine rebounds.
He extended the dominance into the second half adding a further six points and two rebounds.
Hayden Allen, as he does time after time, landed some important long shots to keep Southland clear throughout the game.
The veteran banked four three-pointers in a 20-point haul from the bench.
Reuben Te Rangi continued his good season (17 points, seven rebounds), while Nick Kay chipped in with 11 points and nine rebounds.
For Hawke's Bay Amir Williams led the way with his 19 points and ewight rebounds in what was a fiery encounter which included a couple of scuffles.
Southland Sharks 101 (Alex Pledger 21, Hayden Allen 20, Reuben Te Rangi 17, Nick Kay 11, Derone Raukawa 11) Hawke's Bay 87 (Grant Fiorentinos 21, Amir Williams 19, Jarrod Kenny 12, Joshua Fox, Everard Bartlett 10).
1Q: 26-21, HT: 51-42: 3Q: 83-68.
Article and image courtesy of Stuff.co.nz