The Auckland Tuatara have won their opening home match of the Sal’s NBL season with a convincing 80-55 win over the Taranaki Mountainairs at Eventfinda Stadium on Friday night.
Without star forward Reuben Te Rangi, the Tuatara barely missed a beat as they jumped out to an early lead and never relented as they marched to their second straight win to start the season.
Guard Jarrad Weeks had 19 points, seven rebounds and seven assists while centre Rob Loe bagged 17 points, 12 rebounds and big seven blocks in another stat-stuffing performance.
The Tuatara also got great value from Chris McIntosh, who was strong at both ends of the floor in a start at guard, and Nick Barrow, who was his typical hard-working self.
Rookies Will Leger and Conor Flanagan impressed in brief cameos near the end of the match as well as coach Aaron Young was able to rest some of his starters.
The Tuatara head off a double-header road assignment next week – taking on the Sharks in Invercargill on Friday night and the Saints in Wellington on Sunday.