A hit-and-run win for the Steelformer Taranaki Airs in Wellington in double overtime at the TSB Arena to open their Sal's NBL account
The Airs came away 115 - 110 winners over the Mills Albert Welling Saints with some big scoring from New Plymouth born power forward Carlin Davison with 36 points equally back up by Australian Harry Froling on 32.
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In front of a crowd of well over 2000 the teams traded quarters. The visitors taking the firsrt 29-27, before the Saints won the second 25-22.
The third quarter stalled a little as the Airs scored 20-19 while in the fourth both team scored 27 points to take the game into extra time.
Taranaki have a local derby on Tuesday against the Manawatu Jets
Shaun Bruce was leading scorer for the Saints with 26 points (7/17FG. 4/103pts) with Nicolas Marshall 25 and Hyrun Harris scoring 20 and pulling down 12 rebounds. Nicolas Muszynski scored 18 and 14 rebounds.
Manwhile the champion Canterbury Rams accounted for the Nelseon Giants in a low-scoring affair to start their season.
The Rams won the game 90-77 after being superior in the first and fourth quarters.
Tall Black Taylor Britt was efficent throughout with 23 points adding three assists and a customary steal. He was backed by by young star Tamatoa Isaac who had 23 points, five rebounds and seven assists.
For Nelson it 18-year-old Hayden Jones leading the way with 17 points including 3/4 three pointers and seven rebounds while Laim Judd had 14 points.
Nelson host the Saints on Thursday at the Trafalgar Centre. while the Rams are at home against the Sharks on Saturday.
Wheeler Motor Company Canterbury Rams 90 (Shaun Bruce 23, Hyrum Harris 20, Tohi Smith-Milner 16) NBS Nelson Giants 77 (Hayden Jones 17, Liam Judd 14, Jaylen Forbes 12)
Steelformers Taranaki Mountain Airs 115 (Carlin Davison 36, Harry Froling 32, Armon Fletcher, 15, Owen Foxwell 15) Mills Albert Wellington Saints 110 (Shaun Bruce 26, Nicolas Marshall 25, Hyrun Harris scoring 20, Nicolas Muszynski 18).