The Waikato Pistons have beaten the Christchurch Cougars 96-89 in NZCT National Basketball League semi final action to set a
best of three grand final series with the Nelson Giants.
The first half was a tight affair with scores tied up 26-26 at the first quarter break and by half time the Pistons held a slender two point lead, 50-48.
Offence dominated defence in the first spell with the Pistons shooting 63% and the Cougars 61% from the field and Tim Behrendorff leading all scorers with 18 in the first 20 minutes.
Whatever Pistons coach Dean Vickerman said at half time it resulted in a far tougher defensive display that saw the Pistons win the third quarter 28-18 to be ahead by 12 going into the fourth.