At a glance

(Reuben Te Rangi 26 points, Orlando Coleman 17, Derone Raukawa 16) Wellington Saints 96 (Shea Ili 27 points, LJ Peak 23, Jordan Ngatai 21). 35-29; 67-51; 86-78

He came up big in the first half, including scoring 10 points in the second quarter, to help his side lead 67-51 at the main break.

The Sharks had led by as many as 18 points in the third quarter, only to be hauled back by the Saints, led by Shea Ili (27 points) and Jordan Ngatai (21 points). Import guard LJ Peak also had 23 points despite being in foul trouble throughout.

Te Rangi’s Tall Blacks teammate Ili then stole a bit of the limelight, taking the Saints upon his shoulders and carrying them through the third quarter, scoring 12 points.

He had to do so because Peak picked up his fourth foul with 4.28 still to play in the third quarter.

While Ili lit up the offensive end, the Saints picked up their defence, typified by forcing a shot clock violation with 3.17 to play in the quarter as they reduced the lead, which reached 18 at one stage, to single figures.

The Sharks led 86-78 heading into the final quarter, with Te Rangi scoring their first five points to get the lead to 11.

But the Saints came roaring back again, getting within one point with five minutes to go.

The lead was two points with 13 seconds to go. Saints forward Leon Henry had a three to win it, but his shot was short, Saints guard Shaun Bruce won the rebound, but his put-back was also short and time expired.

Q1:

HT:

Q3: