The Jadcup Tuatara have improved to 4-1 on the season after a hard-fought 93-91 win over the Hawke’s Bay Hawks in Napier on Saturday night.
The Tuatara led for the most part but had to battle hard with the Hawks, who never let the visitors get away on them.
The home side led in the closing stages before the Tuatara held their nerve to take the lead inside the final minute.
A Zach Riley steel ended the Hawk’s chances and allowed Cam Gliddon’s side to make it four wins and a loss through the opening five games.
Tom Vodanovich led the Tuatara with 19 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals while Josh Dilling and Dylan Wilkie both chipped in with 15 points.
The Tuatara return home next Sunday to face the Nelson Giants at Eventfinda Stadium.