Wellington Saints defeat Otago Nuggets in capital comeback win
The Mills Albert Wellington Saints secured a hard-fought 96 to 90 win over the Night n' Day Otago Nuggets at TSB Arena on Sunday afternoon in front of a strong home crowd.
The visitors from Otago started with intensity, producing a standout opening quarter led by Ethan Rusbatch of the Ethan Rusbatch, who helped his side build early momentum with a 32-point first quarter surge. His scoring set the tone for a fast-paced opening spell as the Nuggets took early control.
The Saints responded strongly in the second quarter. Improved defensive pressure and better ball movement allowed the home side to outscore the Nuggets and level the game at 46 points apiece at halftime.
The turning point came early in the third quarter when Elijah Pepper of the Elijah Pepper produced a decisive scoring run. His 15-point burst shifted momentum firmly in favour of the Saints and energised the home crowd.
From that point, the Saints maintained control of the contest. Carlin Davison of the Carlin Davison and Akech Aliir of the Akech Aliir provided key contributions on both ends of the floor as the lead extended to double digits late in the game.
The Saints closed out the final quarter to secure the 96 to 90 win and protect home court in Wellington.
Leading players
Wellington Saints: Elijah Pepper 33 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists. Carlin Davison 15 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists. Akech Aliir 13 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists.
Otago Nuggets: Ethan Rusbatch 23 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists. Buay Tuach 17 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists. Craig Moller 13 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists.
Rapid League
Otago Nuggets 31 defeat Wellington Saints 29
The Rapid League clash delivered a tight defensive battle at TSB Arena to open the day. Both teams limited scoring opportunities early, with the Saints taking a 17 to 12 lead into halftime.
The Nuggets responded in the second half through Tyson Thata-Paese of the Tyson Thata-Paese, who delivered a composed performance and finished with a game high 12 points. His effort helped lift Otago to a 31 to 29 win.
Leading players
Wellington Saints: Sam Gold 7 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists. Hassan Munir 7 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists.
Otago Nuggets: Tyson Thata-Paese 12 points. Zach McKenzie 5 points, 4 rebounds.
