The Auckland Tuatara have been outclassed 110-80 by the Mills Albert Wellington Saints in their opening match of the Sal’s NBL season.
The home side raced out of the blocks to open up a sizeable early lead – 28-17 at the end of the first quarter – and never looked back as Aaron Young’s side struggled to get anywhere near their best while the Saints seemed to find gold with everything they did.
New recruit Corey Webster led the Tuatara with 18 points, seven assists and four boards while reigning League MVP Rob Loe had 14 points, six rebounds, five assists and a pair of blocks.
Earlier, the Tuatara claimed the spoils in their first ever Sky Broadband Rapid League match, beating the Saints 42-33.
Reuben Fitzgerald (nine points) and Nick Barrow (six points, four rebounds) paced the visitors.
The Tuatara will be back in action on Thursday night for their home opener at Eventfinda Stadium when the Taranaki Airs come to town.