Saints Take Top of The Table
The Mills Albert Wellington Saints have cemented their place atop the Sal’s NBL ladder with a gritty 90–84 win over the Wheeler Motor Company Canterbury Rams, locking in the number one seed and home-court advantage for the 2025 semi-finals.
The victory, played in front of a passionate home crowd, was made even sweeter by the occasion—Izayah Le’Afa’s 100th Sal’s NBL game. The Saints star marked the milestone in style, pouring in a game-high 32 points along with 4 rebounds in a performance that exemplified leadership and big-moment poise.
The Rams came ready to fight for the top spot, led by Sean McDonald’s 24 points and 11 assists, and a near double-double from Walter Brown (14 points, 9 rebounds). But it was the Saints’ relentless effort and composure down the stretch that sealed the win.
Supporting Le’Afa was Hyrum Harris, whose physical presence and hustle netted him 15 points and 12 rebounds. Nicholas Marshall also came up big, adding 15 points and 10 rebounds in another consistent two-way showing.
With the win, the Saints finish the regular season as minor premiers, claiming the #1 seed heading into the postseason. All attention now turns to Sunday 13th July at 3:00pm, where the Saints will host a home semi-final at TSB Arena.
Head Coach Aaron Young praised the team’s growth:
“This group has stuck together, played for each other, and earned every bit of that number one spot. Now it’s about locking in, recovering, and being ready to protect home court in front of our fans next Sunday.”
Tickets are already selling fast for what promises to be a thrilling semi-final showdown. With the season on the line and a potential Grand Final berth just 40 minutes away, the Saints are calling on the city to rally behind them one more time.
Wellington—this is your team. This is your moment. Be there.
