Saints overcome slow start

The Wellington Saints have overcome a poor first-half shooting performance to extend their unbeaten run to 12.

The 94-76 win over the Taranaki Mountainairs at TSB Bank Arena in Wellington last night was not as straightforward as the final score suggested, with a third-quarter surge needed to put the visitors’ challenge to bed.

Saints shooting guard Corey Webster again led all scorers with 25 points, as well as having six assists, while forward Josh Duinker (21 points, 12 rebounds) did the bulk of the work inside with fellow forward Tai Wesley absent.

The Saints lost their first quarter of the season (23-22) on the back of good defensive resolve from the Mountainairs, although there were as many missed layups and airballs as good makes.

The middling Saints performance continued in the second quarter as they led by one at halftime. They shot just 3 of 12 of their three-pointers and 9 of 15 from the free-throw line in the first half.

The Mountainairs’ most important stat from the opening 20 minutes was throwing away just two turnovers. The Saints have killed teams in transition this year and with points from turnovers, so not giving them extra possessions made it easier for Taranaki to stay close.

As well as the Mountainairs played in the first half, there was nothing they could do when the Saints eventually lurched out of second gear midway through the third quarter, going on an 11-0 run to lead 66-50.

O’Riley, Burton and defensive juggernaut Daniel Gomis all saw time on the bench during that run and Taranaki’s backup players just couldn’t match the depth the Saints possess.

Taranaki continued to make the Saints fight to improve their record to 12-0 throughout the final quarter, putting in a performance which belied their now 3-10 record.