The Auckland Tuatara have won the opening game of their Southern Swing with an 87-78 victory over the Otago Nuggets in Dunedin.
It is the seventh straight win for Aaron Young’s side and they improve to 9-2 on the season.
The Tuatara jumped out of the blocks early before the Nuggets fought back to level things up by the end of the first quarter.
The visitors opened up a 10-point lead by halftime but had the erased during the third quarter, trailing briefly at one point before opening up a big gap.
Rob Loe double doubled with 19 points, 11 rebounds and two assists while Corey Webster continued his MVP-calibre season with a game high 22 points, eight rebounds and four assists.
Tom Vodanovich also double doubled with 15 points and 12 boards, while Reuben Te Rangi contributed 15 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals.
The Tuatara coughed up a lead in Sky Broadband Rapid League to lose 27-25.
A second game in the round takes place Saturday against the Southland Sharks.