Riley Sa hit a couple of big threes late in Ashburton College’s senior basketball side’s upset win over Rangiora High School on Monday. Photo Erin TaskerAshburton College’s senior boys’ basketball team pulled off a massive upset on Monday, downing Rangiora High School in a sporting exchange between the two schools.

Both teams played in the Canterbury secondary schools’ Thomson Trophy competition, but Rangiora were in division one where they were currently battling for a spot in the play-offs, while Ashburton were in division two where they were third on points differential.

The game was always going to be a gauge of where Ashburton were at compared to the division one sides, and coming away with an 86-81 win provided them with a huge confidence boost, coach Brian Kerr said.

“This was a game of belief.

“We weren’t expected to win this game, so the win is so much sweeter,” Kerr said.

“There were some big plays from a number of players just when it was really needed and from a coach’s perspective that is gold.

“I am really proud of these lads.”

Good early plays and aggressive defence creating turnovers, saw Ashburton start the better of the two, and they went out to a 23-12 lead at quarter time.

That form continued in the second quarter as they hit from long range and continued their intense defence, collapsing onto Rangiora’s big men inside and forcing turnovers.

That did get them into foul trouble and gave Rangiora trips to the line, but Ashburton still managed to hold a 45-38 lead at half time.

Rangiora did claw their way back in the third quarter and Ashburton’s offence struggled to keep their momentum going, and the visitors got back within two, down 66-64 with one quarter to play.

Kerr said the final quarter was a cracker as the teams traded blows and did not give an inch, but his side maintained their composure and hit some clutch baskets to open up a small gap, with Rangiora in turn having to foul to try and recover possession.

Even though Ashburton missed some free throws they managed to pinch some big rebounds and regather possession and were able to wind the clock down and take the win, Kerr said.

“It was a cracking game of basketball with both teams giving everything,” Kerr said.

“This was a real team effort where everyone played their part.

“Marc Juntilla had a massive game and was inspirational in the final quarter as he re-ignited college’s intensity and belief.

“Fotu Hala had another good game, pulling in rebounds and hitting some big shots and getting a big reject near the end of the fourth quarter to steal possession back for the college.

“Riley Sa again showed a maturity beyond his years.

“He hit a couple of big threes as well as pinching two free throw rebounds off the opposition.

“This gave possession back to college which allowed another opportunity to score or force Rangiora to foul.”

Penuel Pantaleon also hustled on defence and utilised his speed on the fast break, throwing himself into everything, Kerr said.

After a positive start to the week, the Ashburton boys returned to their regular Thomson Trophy competition last night against Hornby, with a spring in their step.

By Erin Tasker © The Ashburton Guardian - 31 July 2018