NBS Men’s Grade Finals – Game 2
Nomads 110 – FDWNZ 105
Game 2 of the NBS Men’s Grade Finals delivered another high-scoring thriller, with Nomads and FDWNZ once again going head-to-head in a game that went down to the wire.
Just like Game 1, the opening half was incredibly close, with both teams trading baskets and momentum constantly shifting. Each side managed to put together runs and take control at different stages, only for the opposition to fight their way back into the contest.
FDWNZ managed to edge ahead heading into halftime, taking a narrow 54–53 lead into the break.
FDWNZ continued their surge in the third quarter, extending their advantage and putting Nomads under pressure. Heading into the final quarter, FDWNZ held an 82–76 lead, leaving Nomads with plenty of work to do.
Just as in Game 1, foul trouble became a factor, this time affecting FDWNZ players Ilumin Ilumin and Earl Cacho. This proved to be a massive momentum swing for Nomads, who began finding stop after stop on defence and capitalised at the other end of the court.
The momentum completely shifted in the final quarter as Nomads chipped away at FDWNZ's lead before taking control in the closing stages. In a huge fourth-quarter turnaround, Nomads finished strongly to secure a 110–105 victory, levelling the finals series at 1–1 and forcing a deciding Game 3.
With the game played at such a fast pace, particularly throughout the second half, statistics were difficult to keep track of. Both teams shot an impressive 49% from the field. FDWNZ connected on 12 three-pointers at 33%, while Nomads made 8 threes at 28%.
Nomads finished with 17 assists compared with FDWNZ's 15, while Nomads also held the rebounding advantage 44–38.
Nomads Player Stats
Riley Sa – 40 points, 10 rebounds, 3/6 3PT, 11/13 FT
Nick Fechney – 40 points, 17 rebounds, 10 defensive rebounds, 7 offensive rebounds, 10/11 FT
Jet Aguila – 17 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals
FDWNZ Player Stats
Newel Buenafe – 17 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals, 4/6 FT
Graciano Puerto – 26 points, 10 rebounds, 4 made 3PT
Randy Buenafe – 30 points, 6/11 3PT, 4/4 FT
After two incredibly close and high-scoring games, the NBS Men’s Grade Finals now come down to one final game.
Game 3 – Friday, 7pm NBS Oxford Street Stadium
With the series locked at 1–1, it all comes down to Friday night. Who will lift the NBS Men’s Grade trophy?
