Hosting the Southland Sharks in a pre-season game at the Edgar Centre yesterday, the team emerged triumphant with a 104-85 win. It was the first time since 2014 an NBL side had played in Dunedin and the Otago team, made up of local club players, did not disappoint.
Otago coach Brent Matehaere said the team’s focus had been on enjoying itself and that had shown through in the way it played.
"I think the smiles on the faces of the players showed how happy we were.
"That’s what our focus was, to play for ourselves. We didn’t put anything in that was too confusing, too tricky, be our own worst enemies. So we did the simple things well, did the basics well. I’m pleased for them."
Southland was without six of its key players and Matehaere said it was important not to get carried away with the result, although he called Otago’s performance very solid. The Sharks are a side with a quality top end, but one which lacks depth.
Lacking size, Otago pushed the ball and brought an aggressive attitude. It ran well in transition and got to the hoop, while shooting efficiently. Defensively it brought intensity and, at times, was outstanding in the full court.
Big man James Hunter and Tall Black guard Derone Raukawa shone early for Southland, before Otago fought back to take a 26-25 lead into the first break.
From that point, Otago looked after Hunter well and limited his impact. Otago pulled away to a 54-38 lead at halftime, a period Matehaere said was key.
"We made some adjustments in the time outs and I think they worked,’’ he said of how the team defended Hunter.
"We were happy with what we did in terms of defence. That second quarter was a real difference really, when we held them to 13. So that middle part of the game was really important for us defensively."
Otago continued to push in the third quarter, scoring well in transition and getting to the hoop. Josh Aitcheson continued to be a threat and finished with 25 points, while Benoit Hayman added eight of his 16 points. With the score at 84-60 at the end of that quarter, an edge went out of the game down the stretch. The Sharks brought the deficit back to 16, at which point Otago rallied to ensure it did not get any closer.
It had been a good chance for Otago’s players to show what they could do at the next level. Several youngsters were blooded, playing alongside two former Nuggets.
"We know Matt Gillan and James Ross can certainly play at [NBL] level and they demonstrated that right throughout the game.
"And Josh Aitcheson, a Junior Tall Black, he has a lot of promise. I think if there was a quick way to get him down to Invercargill he would be down there a lot. He’s got to focus on his studies, but there’s opportunities down there for him in the future as well.
"It bodes well for basketball here in Otago. If we can retain those sort of players in the future, we keep treating them nice and, hopefully, they’ll be here for us."
It was an impressive performance from Ross, who had come down sick the day of the game. After being unsure whether he would play, the classy point guard showed all of his experience to finish with 14 points.
