The Auckland Tuatara have produced a stunning fourth quarter comeback to beat the Southland Sharks 101-86 at Eventfinda Stadium and extend their winning streak to seven games.
After jumping out to a narrow first quarter lead, the Sharks bounced back in the second to lead by 10 at the break.
The deficit was cut to seven by three-quarter time, thanks to a near half court shot by Reuben Te Rangi on the buzzer.
The Tuatara worked it back to a tie ball game with five minutes to play and then owned the final stages as their big name players took control.
Rob Loe, the Sal’s NBL MVP favourite, piled in 32 points and grabbed 19 rebounds in a massive night. He also chipped in four assists and a block.
Te Rangi finished with 20 points, four boards and five assists while Cam Gliddon had 17 points, Jarrad Weeks picked up 17 points while youngster Charlie Dalton scored 11 including some big plays at both ends.
The win sees the Tuatara recapture sole possession of top spot on the Sal’s NBL ladder with a 10-3 record.
The Tuatara are back home next Saturday against the Nelson Giants.