Head to head
The Tuatara won 111-99 in Christchurch on April 14, but the Rams won 86-83 in Auckland on June 9.
The oil
They both ran hot through the regular season. The Rams finished on top with 17 wins from 20 games and the Tuatara collected 16 wins.
But despite that dominant form, they were both stretched during their respective semifinals.
The Rams needed two periods of overtime to eventually edge a determined challenge by the Taranaki Airs.
Taylor Britt (20 points) inbounded the ball to star forward Lachlan Olbrich (22 points, 16 rebounds), who made a lay-up to secure a 112-111 win with one second on the clock.
MJ Walker jun (23 points) and Max Darling (20 points, 10 rebounds) were influential as well.
The Tuatara had to fight their way back into their own semifinal contest.
The Franklin Bulls, powered by former Otago Nuggets centre Sam Timmins (30 points, eight rebounds), led by 10 points with 10 minutes remaining.
But the Tuatara’s talented crew of Corey Webster (25 points, six assists), Reuben Te Rangi (17 points) and Rob Loe (20 points, six assists) combined to help outscore the Bulls 26-13 in the final period to snatch a 78-75 win.
Individually, they are all capable of taking over a game. But when they pull together in the same direction like they did in the final quarter, well, they are unstoppable.
Key personnel
Webster helped drag the Rams through to the title last year. They beat the Tuatara 93-82. The Tall Blacks guard knocked down 25 points and had seven assists to underline his class and clear game-winning ability.
But, in the rerun, Webster will be suiting up for the Tuatara, who have lost the past two finals.
Veteran centre Loe has been the best defensive player in the league for two years running and the Aucklander’s ability to knock down shots from the outside means he will be a tricky defensive assignment for the Rams.
But Canterbury can lean on league MVP Olbrich to get things going at either end, while Britt’s speed, handling and passing game is a big asset for the defending champions.
Prediction
Tuatara to win in overtime. Tip-off is at 2.30pm on Sunday.
