Cigna Saints open season with impressive win over the Hawks
The Cigna Saints have opened the season with a 106-79 win over the Bay Hawks
Last seasons Most Valuable Player Shea Ili had 22 points, and Australian Boomer, Nick Kay, had an excellent debut with 25 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists.
Reuben Te Rangi also had a great start for his new team with 15 points, and Jordan Ngatai added 17.
It was a clincial performance from the Saints who opened the first quarter with a 10 point lead, and held the double digit lead up till the third quarter. Wellington would oppen the flood gates with a 31-14 fouth period.
Head Coach, Paul Henare, will be pleased with his first game for the franchise, and was able to play his young bench players, Anzac Rissetto, Finn McClure, James Cawthorn and Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones for their first ever action in the NBL.
Wellington will now look to stay unbeaten when the host the Tasmanian side the Southern Huskies who are the first Australian team to play in the NZNBL.
Cigna Saints 106 (Nicholas Kay 25, Shea Ili 22, Jordan Ngatai 17)
Bay Hawks 79 (Edward Singler 19, Ethan Rusbatch 17, Daniel Kickert 14)
