The Auckland Tuatara have made a dream start to life on the road in the Sal’s NBL as they claimed an impressive 86-77 win over the Nelson Giants in Nelson on Friday night.
After winning their debut match last weekend at Eventfinda Stadium, Aaron Young’s side raced out of the blocks with big men Rob Loe and Chris Johnson at the forefront once again.
Leading 26-16 at the end of the first quarter, they powered away in the second to open up an 18-point lead at halftime.
The Giants fought back in the third but never got within single digits until the final play of the game as the visitors ran out a nine-point victory.
Loe finished with 23 points, 12 rebounds and four assists while Johnson added 19 points, 15 rebounds, four assists and two blocks in another stellar outing.
Taki Fahrensohn and Dontae Russo-Nance each added 14 points while Chris McIntosh contributed a handy nine points in what was another team performance.
The Tuatara remain in the South Island and will take on the Canterbury Rams in Christchurch on Sunday afternoon.