Preview: NBL Semi Final @ Rams

Semi-Final Preview: Wheeler Motor Company Canterbury Rams vs SBS Bank Southland Sharks

The second ticket in the 2026 Sal’s NBL Grand Final will be punched tonight when the second-seeded Wheeler Motor Company Canterbury Rams host the third-seeded SBS Bank Southland Sharks at Parakiore.

Canterbury earned a direct place in the semi-finals after completing the regular season at 16-4. The Rams secured second position ahead of Southland through points percentage, finishing the season with a league-best scoring margin and the competition’s leading defence.

The Sharks took the longer path after falling from first to third during the final round. Southland recovered from a slow start in Wednesday night’s Eliminator to defeat Tauranga, extending its season and earning another opportunity against a Canterbury team it has already beaten twice.

Southland won  at Parakiore in May before completing the regular-season sweep with a victory in Invercargill. Both games remained competitive deep into the second half, but the Sharks executed more effectively during the closing stages to take the season series. 

The Rams enter rested, at home and with one of the league’s deepest defensive groups but with questions over key players availability. The Sharks arrive with the confidence of a postseason victory and the knowledge that their style has held Canterbury off successfully twice this season. 

But that was in the regular season. Will the Sharks follow the same path walked a season ago to take the win to set up a grand final rematch of a season ago? Or will the Rams dig deep to defend their new home court to make their third grand final in four years? The winner advances to the Sal’s NBL Grand Final. The loser’s season is over.

Game Details

Wheeler Motor Company Canterbury Rams vs SBS Bank Southland Sharks

When: Sunday 2 August

Where: Parakiore, Christchurch

Tip-off: 6:00pm

Watch in New Zealand: Sky Sport 3 and Sky Open

International: ESPN+ in the United States and FIBA YouTube internationally

Commentary: Huw Beynon & Casey Frank, with Nick Bewley courtside

Box Score Here

Tickets Here

Player Status Report

The Rams’ submitted starting group features Taylor Britt, Tamenang Choh, Walter Brown, Todd Withers and Jack Andrew, but two members remain questionable.

Britt is questionable with a concussion after missing the last game of the regular season, while Andrew is questionable through illness. Choh, Brown and Withers are all fully available.

René Rougeau. Jake Holmes, Ihaka Cate, Milan Newton, Gus Dallow, Ben Marsh and Will Patten are also included in Canterbury’s available rotation.

The status of Britt and Andrew will be significant. Canterbury would be without its leading playmaker if Britt is ruled out, while Andrew is the team’s leading rebounder, most efficient finisher and primary interior presence.

The Sharks have named Rylan Jones, Sam Timmins, Keylan Boone, Caleb Asberry and Brayden Inger as their starting five.

Quake Webster, Tautoko Wynyard, Riley Snow, Tukaha Cooper, Dane Bertinshaw, Tobias Cameron and Jack Ramage are available from the bench. Cairo Lee is listed as an available emergency player.

Southland therefore brings the same core rotation that that finished the season and took the first game on their postseason path.

How They Got Here

Wheeler Motor Company Canterbury Rams: Second seed, 16-4

Canterbury secured a direct place in the semi-finals after producing the best scoring margin and defensive record of the regular season.

The Rams opened the year with three consecutive victories before suffering their first defeat against Franklin. From there, Canterbury won 13 of its final 16 games and remained in contention for the number-one seed until the final day.

Auckland’s strong points-percentage advantage left the Rams requiring assistance to finish top of the table, but Canterbury completed its own assignment with an 89-66 victory over the Bulls at Parakiore to set themselves up the best they could.

That result moved the Rams to 16-4 and placed them ahead of the Sharks on points percentage, who also completed the regular season with 16 victories.

Canterbury finished 9-1 at home, with its only Parakiore defeat coming against Southland. The Rams allowed a league-low 83.8 pts per game, held opponents to 41 percent shooting and finished first with a plus-13.2 scoring margin.

Their second seed delivered a full week between games and the opportunity to prepare defence of their homecourt while their opponent entered the eliminator cauldron. 

Eliminator Final: SBS Bank Southland Sharks defeat The Northern Group Tauranga Whai 96-81

Southland entered its Eliminator as the higher seed and winner of both regular-season meetings with Tauranga, but the Whai produced the stronger opening to unsettle the home crowd while putting the Sharks on notice that the result would not be easily taken.

Te Rangi, Murray and Stoddart connected from three as Tauranga established an early double-digit advantage. The Sharks were loose with possession during the first half, committing 11 turnovers compared with only four from the Whai and giving the visitors significantly more shot attempts.

Southland remained within touch distance through Timmins’ interior scoring before lifting their play after the halftime break.

Boone hit consecutive threes to reduce the margin and bring the Stadium Southland crowd back into the contest. Asberry then began attacking the basket, finishing with an exceptionally efficient scoring performance as the Sharks took control.

Southland held Tauranga to four made threes after the opening quarter and steadily pulled away during the second half as the defence lifted and the offence found space.

Boone finished with 28 pts, 10 reb and 2 stl, including six made threes. Asberry added 24 pts, while Timmins produced 18 pts, 10 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl and 1 blk. Jones directed the comeback with 11 pts, 5 reb and 10 ast.

The 96-81 victory moved Southland to 17-4 across all games and extended its season into the semi-finals with a trip north to Christchurch.

SBS Bank Southland Sharks: Keylan Boone 28 pts, 10 reb and 2 stl; Caleb Asberry 24 pts, 2 reb and 2 ast; Sam Timmins 18 pts, 10 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl and 1 blk; Rylan Jones 11 pts, 5 reb and 10 ast.

The Northern Group Tauranga Whai: Reuben Te Rangi 26 pts, 6 reb and 4 ast; Taine Murray 20 pts, 6 reb and 4 ast; Nicholas Stoddart 16 pts, 2 reb, 4 ast and 3 stl.

Regular-Season Series

Southland won the series 2-0

First Meeting

Sunday 17 May: SBS Bank Southland Sharks 104 defeated Wheeler Motor Company Canterbury Rams 95

Canterbury made the stronger start at Parakiore behind Brown’s shot-making and the early energy of Rougeau, taking a 24-20 advantage through the opening quarter.

Southland responded in the second period through Asberry and Jones before the Rams regained control during the third.

Canterbury eventually pushed the margin into double figures, with Brown, Choh, Britt and Andrew providing balanced production.

The Sharks took over during the final period.

Asberry delivered the primary scoring, while Jones and Boone made important plays during a decisive late run. Southland outscored Canterbury 35-22 during the fourth quarter to turn a Rams lead into a nine-point victory.

The Sharks shot 52 percent from the field and made 14 threes at 46 percent. Canterbury collected 18 offensive rebounds, but committed 13 turnovers and could not slow Southland during the closing stages.

Wheeler Motor Company Canterbury Rams: Walter Brown 32 pts, 8 reb and 3 ast; Tamenang Choh 18 pts, 5 reb and 4 ast; Taylor Britt 17 pts, 4 reb and 5 ast; Jack Andrew 17 pts, 8 reb and 3 ast.

SBS Bank Southland Sharks: Caleb Asberry 33 pts, 3 reb and 1 ast; Sam Timmins 22 pts, 10 reb and 2 ast; Rylan Jones 19 pts, 4 reb and 10 ast; Brayden Inger 11 pts, 2 reb and 3 ast.

Second Meeting

Wednesday 1 July: SBS Bank Southland Sharks 103 defeated Wheeler Motor Company Canterbury Rams 98

Both teams entered the second meeting without important members of their usual starting groups.

Southland was without Timmins, while Canterbury did not have Britt or Choh with all answering the call of international basketball. Despite those absences, the Rams generated effective offence and led after both the first and third quarters.

Brown assumed greater playmaking responsibility, while Andrew continued his efficient interior season. Holmes also supplied important scoring, rebounding and defensive energy as the Rams played with energy to put themselves in great position early.

Southland’s available stars delivered the response that was needed. Boone scored 35 pts and collected 10 reb, while Jones produced 27 pts, 5 reb and 6 ast. Cameron added 17 pts and helped the Sharks maintain their physicality without Timmins.

Once again, the game turned during the fourth quarter. Southland outscored Canterbury 29-23 and made enough late plays to complete the season sweep.

The Sharks made 16 threes at 42 percent, giving them 30 made threes at approximately 44 percent across the two regular-season victories.

SBS Bank Southland Sharks: Keylan Boone 35 pts and 10 reb; Rylan Jones 27 pts, 5 reb and 6 ast; Tobias Cameron 17 pts and 5 reb.

Wheeler Motor Company Canterbury Rams: Jack Andrew 22 pts and 11 reb; Walter Brown 18 pts, 6 reb and 11 ast; Jake Holmes 14 pts, 8 reb and 2 ast.

What to Expect

Canterbury’s defence and Southland’s perimeter shooting create the central tactical battle.

The Rams finished first in scoring defence at 83.8 pts allowed per game while holding opponents to 41 percent shooting. Their size and versatility allow them to switch across several positions, protect the basket and close defensive possessions with strong rebounding to finish possessions. 

Southland finished third in scoring at 96.3 pts and led the league in three-point percentage and made threes. The Sharks shoot 37 percent from outside to make 12.4 triples per game.

That perimeter attack was decisive during both regular-season contests.

Southland made 14 threes at Parakiore and another 16 in Invercargill. Jones, Asberry, Boone and Inger all require close attention, while Cameron provides shooting from the bench that must be respected.

Canterbury cannot allow any defensive help shading towards Timmins in the paint to create repeated open looks around the arc. The Rams need strong first-contact defence against the post so their perimeter players can remain connected to Southland’s shooters.

The Sharks must solve Canterbury’s interior defence.

Andrew, Brown, Rougeau, Holmes and Choh give the Rams several rim protectors and rebounders at their positions. Canterbury leads the league with 5.2 blocks per game and allows opponents to shoot only 41 percent overall.

Timmins is Southland's strongest weapon in the paint. He averages 18.9 pts and 10.9 reb while shooting 57 percent from the field. If Andrew is available, their matchup will face off two of the league’s most productive centres. If Andrew is ruled out, Canterbury must find another way to handle Timmins without creating constant double teams.

The rebounding battle also favours the Rams statistically.

Canterbury averages 45.0 reb and holds a plus-5.4 rebounding margin. Southland collects 42.1 boards with a plus-1.9 margin.

The Rams retrieve 33 percent of their available offensive rebounds, compared with 29 percent for the Sharks. Andrew leads the league at 3.5 offensive boards per game, while Choh, Brown, Withers and Rougeau also create additional possessions.

Southland has its own glass strength through Timmins and Boone. Inger rebounds well from the wing, and Jones frequently begins the break after securing the ball himself.

Possession security will be equally important.

Canterbury committed a league-low 11.6 turnovers per game and finished second in turnover margin during the regular season. Southland averages 8.9 steals and will attempt to use Jones, Asberry, Boone and Cameron to disrupt the Rams before they can establish their half-court offence.

Britt’s availability will decide the shape of that battle. He averages 7.0 assists against only 1.9 turnovers to provide Canterbury with a steady hand at the point to guide the action. Without him, Choh, Brown, Holmes and Ihaka Cate must share the ball-handling load against Southland’s pressure will adjusting their games to make up for his lost facilitation skills.

The contrast in preparation time adds another element that could have impact.

Canterbury has not played since last Sunday and has had a full week to prepare at home while Southland played a physical Eliminator on Wednesday before travelling north to Christchurch.

The Rams should be fresher, but the Sharks arrive with postseason rhythm. Canterbury must avoid a slow start after the break, while Southland must ensure the effort required to overcome Tauranga does not become visible during the second half.

Wheeler Motor Company Canterbury Rams Rotation

Taylor Britt: 20.1 pts, 3.7 reb and 7.0 ast

Britt is Canterbury’s leading ball-handler and one of the league’s most productive floor generals.

He can score at all three levels, control the pick-and-roll and places constant pressure on the defence before finding Andrew, Choh or a larger selection of perimeter shooters.

His 3.6 assist-to-turnover ratio is especially important against a Southland team that thrives on live-ball mistakes.

The key watchout is that Britt is listed as questionable with a concussion after missing several games down the stretch. If he is cleared, Canterbury regains a player who scored 17 pts in the first meeting. If he is unavailable, the Rams lose one of their leading offensive options with the ball in hand and their primary facilitator.

Tamenang Choh: 20.1 pts, 8.2 reb and 5.9 ast

Choh gives Canterbury an unusual combination of size, strength and playmaking.

He shoots 51 percent from the field and can attack smaller defenders, facilitate from the post or lead the break after securing a rebound.

Choh missed the second meeting while with the Cameroon national team in the Fiba window, but produced 18 pts, 5 reb and 4 ast at Parakiore earlier in the year. His ability to create against Southland’s switching defence gives Canterbury another option if the Sharks pressure Britt or Brown.

He must also protect possession. Choh averages 3.2 turnovers and Southland will attack the ball when he attempts to create through traffic as they look to ignite their transition offence.

Walter Brown: 18.2 pts, 6.8 reb and 4.3 ast

Brown has been one of Canterbury’s most consistent two-way players.

He shoots 48 percent from the field and 37 percent from three, while his size allows him to defend guards, wings and forwards. He also averages 1.6 stl and 1.2 blk.

Brown scored 32 pts in the first meeting and recorded 18 pts, 6 reb and 11 ast in the second. His ability to produce against Southland is already established.

The Rams will again need him to create while accepting a difficult defensive assignment against one of the Sharks’ key perimeter options.

Todd Withers: 12.4 pts and 5.5 reb

Withers gives Canterbury high-volume perimeter shooting and defensive length at the forward position.

He made 53 threes during the regular season at 39 percent, an average of more than three per game. His ability to stretch Southland’s frontcourt can create space for Choh and Andrew around the basket.

Withers also supplies 1.9 stl per game and can defend across multiple positions.

His shooting is particularly important against a Sharks team that won the three-point battle in both regular-season meetings. 

Jack Andrew: 16.4 pts, 9.3 reb and 1.4 blk

Andrew is Canterbury’s interior anchor and the league’s most efficient high-volume finisher.

He shoots 64 percent from the field and leads the competition with 3.5 offensive rebounds per game. His combination of size, activity and touch creates constant pressure around the basket.

Andrew produced 17 pts and 8 reb in the first meeting before adding 22 pts and 11 reb without Timmins on the floor in the return game.

The cloud hanging over the Rams interior is his questionable status due to illness. His availability may be the most important piece of Canterbury’s game-day status as Southland brings one of the league’s strongest centres in Timmins to the floor.

Rams Off the Pine

Rougeau is Canterbury’s most influential reserve, averaging 9.3 pts, 6.2 reb, 2.3 ast, 2.0 stl and 1.4 blk. His defensive versatility gives the Rams another option against Boone, Asberry or Timmins, although his aggressive style can lead to foul trouble.

Holmes adds 8.3 pts and 4.5 reb while supplying energy, rim protection and transition finishing. He scored 14 pts in the second meeting and may be required for extended minutes if Britt or Andrew cannot play.

Ihaka Cate provides further frontcourt depth and another capable passer. Newton and Dallow offer ball-handling and perimeter shooting, while Marsh and Patten complete the available rotation.

Breakdown: Canterbury’s strongest version features multiple creators surrounding Andrew’s interior efficiency. Britt’s organisation, Choh’s versatility and Brown’s two-way production allow the Rams to attack in several ways. The major uncertainty is health. Losing Britt or Andrew would reduce Canterbury’s margin for error against a team that has already beaten it twice.

SBS Bank Southland Sharks Rotation

Rylan Jones: 15.8 pts, 6.1 reb, 7.1 ast and 2.8 stl

Jones is key to multiple aspects of Southland’s offence and the leader of its perimeter pressure.

He shoots 40 percent from three and owns a 3.6 assist-to-turnover ratio. His ability to create without giving the ball away helps the Sharks maintain their offensive balance.

Jones produced 19 pts and 10 ast in Christchurch before recording 27 pts and 6 ast during the second meeting.

He enters the semi-final after directing Southland’s comeback against Tauranga with another 10-assist performance while also showing great effort on the glass and pressuring the ball. If he gets loose it makes scoring in the half court that much easier for his teammates. 

Caleb Asberry: 20.3 pts, 4.1 reb and 4.7 ast

Asberry is Southland’s leading scorer and most dangerous individual creator.

He shoots 54 percent from the field, 40 percent from three and 88 percent from the free-throw line. He can score through isolation, ball-screen actions or movement away from the ball.

Asberry scored 33 pts at Parakiore and was again highly efficient during the Eliminator.

Canterbury must contain his initial drive without allowing him to find Southland’s shooters when additional defenders commit. 

Transition defence will be key, as when Asberry gets loose in the open court the Sharks offensive ceiling jumps to a much higher level. 

Brayden Inger: 13.6 pts and 5.1 reb

Inger gives the Sharks elite floor spacing and strong rebounding from the wing.

He shoots 44 percent from three and has made 50 perimeter attempts across 18 games. His movement prevents defenders from loading their coverage towards Asberry, Jones or Timmins.

Inger is also capable of attacking closeouts and using his size defensively against Canterbury’s wings.

The Rams cannot lose contact with him when helping inside, particularly from the corners.

Keylan Boone: 17.7 pts and 7.6 reb

Boone enters after producing 28 pts and 10 reb in the Eliminator.

His combination of size, rebounding and high-volume perimeter shooting creates a difficult matchup. He attempts more than eight threes per game and has shown the ability to become nearly unguardable when his shot begins falling.

Canterbury has already experienced dealing with that problem. Boone scored 35 pts and collected 10 reb during the second regular-season meeting.

The Rams must force him into difficult attempts without using a smaller defender who can be punished on the glass.

Sam Timmins: 18.9 pts, 10.9 reb, 3.8 ast and 2.1 blk

Timmins is Southland’s interior anchor and one of the league’s most productive centres on offence who may be the most intimidating defensive presence the league has in the paint.

He shoots 57 percent from the field, ranks second in rebounding and leads the competition in blocked shots.

His passing also gives the Sharks the ability to run offence through the post. If Canterbury sends additional help, Timmins can find Jones, Inger, Boone and Asberry around the perimeter.

He recorded 22 pts and 10 reb in Southland’s win at Parakiore and enters after another double-double against Tauranga and if Jack Andrew isn't available to defend him, that level of production would be the baseline of statistical impact. 

Sharks Off the Pine

Cameron is Southland’s leading reserve, averaging 14.1 pts and 4.7 reb. His physicality, defensive pressure and ability to score from the perimeter allow the Sharks to maintain starter-level production when they turn to the bench.

Cooper adds experience, secondary playmaking and another versatile defender. Webster shoots 41 percent from three and can quickly punish a defence that leaves him to help elsewhere.

Further down the bench Wynyard provides additional interior size behind Timmins, Bertinshaw offers another perimeter shooter, while Snow and Ramage could supply energy and defensive minutes.

Breakdown: Southland’s strength comes from its ability to score at every level. Timmins controls the interior, Jones organises the offence, Asberry creates difficult shots and Inger and Boone stretch the floor. Cameron gives the Sharks another starter-level option from the bench, allowing them to test Canterbury’s depth throughout the game.

Matchups to Watch

Taylor Britt vs Rylan Jones

The point guard battle will have a major influence on the tempo and possession count.

Britt averages 20.1 pts and 7.0 ast while committing fewer than two turnovers per game. Jones supplies 15.8 pts, 7.1 ast and 2.8 stl and will attempt to disrupt Canterbury before it can establish its offence.

Britt’s availability remains uncertain. If he plays, the Rams regain their primary organiser and a player capable of attacking Jones at the other end.

Jones must make Britt work defensively while continuing to create clean opportunities for Southland’s shooters. Canterbury needs Britt to control the ball without allowing Jones’ pressure to produce transition baskets.

Tamenang Choh vs Caleb Asberry

This could be the key perimeter matchup. Choh and Asberry are their teams’ leading available scoring options and two of the league’s most versatile creators.

Choh uses his size to attack guards, score inside and create for teammates. Asberry combines efficient shooting with the ability to drive or operate as a secondary playmaker.

They may not defend each other on every possession, but their influence will shape the game. Canterbury needs Choh to punish Southland’s switches, while the Sharks require Asberry to break down the Rams’ leading defence.

Jack Andrew vs Sam Timmins

The centre matchup brings together two of the league’s most productive interior players.

Andrew shoots 64 percent and leads the competition in offensive rebounding. Timmins averages a double-double while leading the league in blocked shots.

Andrew’s illness creates uncertainty. If he is available, Canterbury can attack Timmins with movement, offensive rebounding and efficient finishing. If he is ruled out, Rougeau, Holmes, Choh and Ihaka Cate must collectively handle Southland’s size.

Timmins will look to establish deep position and force Canterbury to collapse. Andrew’s ability to defend him without consistent help would allow the Rams to remain attached to Southland’s shooters.

These two are very familiar with each other, as Andrew once served as Timmins understudy in Dunededin with the Nuggets. Will the student become the teacher? Or will Professor Timmins teach a new lesson on the block? 

Walter Brown vs Keylan Boone

Brown and Boone are versatile forwards capable of deciding the game from the perimeter or on the glass.

Brown has produced two strong performances against the Sharks, including 32 pts in Christchurch and 11 ast in Invercargill.

Boone enters after a 28-point Eliminator and scored 35 in the most recent meeting with Canterbury.

Brown will attempt to make Boone work through repeated movement and ball-screen actions. Boone’s size and shooting can place Brown in difficult positions at the other end, particularly when Southland uses Timmins to occupy the interior defence.

Individual Category Leaders

Category	Wheeler Motor Company Canterbury Rams	SBS Bank Southland Sharks
Leading scorer	Tamenang Choh/Taylor Britt, 20.1ppg	Caleb Asberry, 20.3ppg
Rebounding	Jack Andrew, 9.3rpg	Sam Timmins, 10.9rpg
Assists	Taylor Britt, 7.0apg	Rylan Jones, 7.1apg
Steals	René Rougeau, 2.0spg	Rylan Jones, 2.8spg
Blocks	René Rougeau, 1.4bpg	Sam Timmins, 2.1bpg
Field-goal percentage	Jack Andrew, 64%	Sam Timmins, 57%
Three-point percentage	Jack Andrew, 40%	Brayden Inger, 44%
Turnovers	Tamenang Choh, 3.2 per game	Caleb Asberry, 3.0 per game
Made three-pointers	Todd Withers, 3.1 per game	Rylan Jones, 2.8 per game

Stats That Matter

Category	Wheeler Motor Company Canterbury Rams	SBS Bank Southland Sharks
Postseason seed	2nd	3rd
Record	16-4	17-4, including Eliminator
Recent form	4-1	4-1
Home/away record	9-1 at home	8-2 away
Points per game	96.9, 2nd	96.3, 3rd
Points allowed	83.8, 1st	88.0, 3rd
Scoring margin	+13.2, 1st	+8.3, 4th
Field-goal percentage	48%, 3rd	48%, 4th
Defensive field-goal percentage	41%, 1st	45%, 4th
Three-point percentage	36%, 2nd	37%, 1st
Defensive three-point percentage	31%, 3rd	34%, 8th
Three-pointers made	10.0 per game, 5th	12.4 per game, 1st
Free-throw percentage	72%, 4th	72%, 6th
Rebounds	45.0 per game, 1st	42.1 per game, 5th
Rebounding margin	+5.4, 2nd	+1.9, 5th
Offensive rebounds	12.4 per game, 2nd	10.6 per game, 4th
Offensive rebounding percentage	33%, 2nd	29%, 4th
Defensive rebounding percentage	73%, 5th	73%, 6th
Assists	21.6 per game, 3rd	20.4 per game, 5th
Turnovers	11.6 per game, fewest	13.0 per game, third-most
Turnover margin	+1.5, 2nd	+0.9, 4th
Assist-to-turnover ratio	1.86, 3rd	1.57, 5th
Steals	8.4 per game, 4th	8.9 per game, 3rd
Blocks	5.2 per game, 1st	3.8 per game, 4th

 Final Word

Canterbury enters as the higher seed, the league’s leading defensive team and the owner of a 9-1 home record.

The Rams have had a full week to recover and prepare, but their advantage is complicated by the questionable status of Britt and Andrew. Both are central to the way Canterbury controls the game, with Britt directing the offence and Andrew anchoring the paint.

Southland arrives with less rest but considerably more recent rhythm. The Sharks recovered from a difficult first half against Tauranga and produced a composed second-half performance to keep their season alive.

They also carry the confidence of two victories over Canterbury this year and the memories of taking down the Rams in their final defence of Cowles Stadium a year ago to qualify for the Grand Final. 

Southland’s pathway begins at the three-point line. The Sharks made 30 threes at approximately 44 percent across the regular-season series and again found perimeter rhythm during the Eliminator.

Canterbury must defend the arc without surrendering the paint to Timmins. At the other end, the Rams need to use their rebounding, defensive versatility and superior ball security to prevent Southland from controlling the possession count.

The Rams’ pathway begins with finishing defensive possessions and forcing the Sharks to play against a set defence. Choh and Brown must create consistently, Withers must stretch the floor, and Canterbury needs productive minutes from Rougeau and Holmes regardless of the final status of Britt and Andrew.

The Sharks have won both meetings, but the Rams have the seed, the rest and the home floor.

Tonight, those advantages and that regular-season history meet at Parakiore, with a place in the 2026 Sal’s NBL Grand Final on the line.