Struggling Nuggets face brutal test against Rams

Otago Daily Times

19-06-2025

Cue the Mission Impossible theme.
The Otago Nuggets host the Canterbury Rams at the Edgar Centre tonight.
The Rams have set the benchmark in the NBL again this season.
They are chasing a third consecutive title, while the Nuggets are just hoping to snap a lengthy losing streak.
They are teams at either end of the competition standings.
Keep your $5 in your pocket if you are planning on backing a roughie.
That said, the Nuggets pressed the Rams into overtime in Christchurch in April.
And despite their lowly position, they have been competitive in most matches.
Well, up to a certain point. They tend to fade at the back end of games.
No-one is more aware of their shortcomings than coach Mike Kelly.
He could do with a little more X-factor on the roster and a third import.
But there is no cavalry coming. He has to squeeze every last drop of talent from the personnel he does have.
That will be the challenge tonight.
Patrick Freeman and Michael Ruske return to bolster the bench, and players like Caleb Smiler, Mac Stodart and Christian Martin have been getting more opportunities at the elite level.
"While we haven't had results in the NBL with wins, and that is frustrating, I have to remind myself that we are trying to get better every day and these young guys are doing exactly that," Kelly said.
"Christian Martin, Mac Stodart and all of these guys who have not played a lot of NBL minutes have been a real key part for us to be competitive in every game we've played.
"I think the continued improvement and development of these young guys has kind of been the [defining character] of the season."
That said, a win would be good. The Nuggets have dropped 12 in a row.
"I don't see it as us being down on confidence, but rather down on players.
"With the guys that we've got here, we have to be able to execute almost perfectly to be in every game.
"We have to play really tight basketball for each other and I think we've done that to a certain extent to keep ourselves in with a shot.
"We've managed to do that in every one of these games, so that has been gratifying.
"We've continued to work, continued to stay competitive.
"I really do believe in the process and not just the results.
"As much as I want the results, I think we are doing it the right way.
"And we want to continue that against the Rams, who we had a phenomenal game against at their house.
"They are a really talented team that is well-coached and plays super hard." NBL Dunedin, 7pm
Otago Nuggets: Jonathan Janssen, Matthew Bardsley, Don Carey jun, Josh Aitcheson, Jaylen Sebree, Darcy Knox, Caleb Smiler, Patrick Freeman, Michael Ruske, Mac Stodart, Christian Martin, Liam Boomer.
Canterbury Rams (possible): Taylor Britt, Walter Brown, Sean McDonald, Kyle Bowen, Tohi Smith-Milner, Max Darling, CJ Penha jun, Tamatoa Isaac, Tawhiri Cate, Mana Martin, Ihaka Cate, Tony Worthington.
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