Mountain Airs outlast Nuggets three-point barrage

Big forward DeMarshay Johnson had a much better game with a double, double – 17 points and 10 rebounds, Hill said the key to the win was his team's fitness. "We went back to pressure defence and that worked. It forced them to take quick shots and they didn't make them," he said.

"Overall, I thought we played well. The guys who came off the bench gave us energy. We're learning how to finish games and how to win. They showed a lot of character in the final quarter."

Mountain Airs import set to take big step up

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MARK DWYER/Taranaki Daily News

HIGH FLYER: American import DeMarshay Johnson dunks the ball during Taranaki Mountain Airs training at the TSB Stadium. Taranaki plays the Christchurch Cougars tonight.

American import DeMarshay Johnson is keen to showcase his talents to Taranaki basketball fans – starting tonight when the Taranaki Mountain Airs take on the Christchurch Cougars in a National Basketball League game at the TSB Stadium in New Plymouth.

"I'm always looking to improve on my game," said the 2.06m (6ft 9in) forward. "We're looking for a big one on Friday night to get our first win of the season."

Johnson, a graduate of the University of Nevada in Reno, believed the Mountain Airs were close to winning form.

"We've got a great group of guys. There's some really capable players," he said.

With 12 points against the Waikato Pistons last Saturday and 23 points in game one against the Nelson Giants, Johnson is looking to step up.

"Basketball is pretty much the same wherever you play. You're always going to be banged around a bit, but that's the same anywhere," he said.

"I'm loving it out here. It's a big change from the States.

"It's so laidback here, not so much of a rush. The people and support I've had has been amazing. Everyone is just so friendly."

Tonight's game against the Cougars is not going to be easy, despite the Christchurch side being thrashed 104-74 by the Waikato Pistons in Te Awamutu last night.

It has tasted success twice already this season from its four games and has a decent line-up.

TARANAKI MOUNTAINAIRS fight back, but not enough as GIANTS win 84-82

Demarshay Johnson had a strong game with 23 points 12 rebounds and 2 blocks. Mountainairs fought back with two threes by Leasure to have a brief two point lead, Jones replied with two threes of his own. Halftime the Giants had the lead at 45-41

Giants took advantage of early turnovers by the Airs and extended their lead to 9, Airs countered with a three point play by Johnson and lay ups from Davey and Leasure to cut deficit to 3.

A couple of threes from Jones and Bloxham helped build the Giants lead to 12 to end the third,

To start the fourth the Giants led by as many as 15 and it all looked but over for the Airs, but they showed resolve going on an 8-0 run.

Giants would now be in a dogfight and would commit 5 fourth quarter turnovers compared to none for the Airs.

With 58 seconds remaining the score was all tied up from two made free throws by Johnson. Airs then forced a Rampton turnover and had a chance to take the lead. A missed three pointer by Davey ensured that the Giants would have the last shot. Harrison had only nine for the game but nailed the jumpshot that counted.