The Auckland Tuatara rode a 40-16 final quarter to beat the Hawke’s Bay Hawks 120-96 at Eventfinda Stadium on Saturday night.
The home side shot out of the blocks to lead 36-19 after the first quarter but the Hawks came storming back to make a contest of it through the middle stages.
Tied up early in the final quarter, the Tuatara burst to life to pull away and secure their fifth straight win in the Sal’s NBL.
Rob Loe had 31 points, 18 rebounds and five assists in an MVP-worthy performance while Tom Vodanovich also scored 31, while pulling in three boards and a pair of steals.
Cam Gliddon was effective once again, scoring 22, including five from beyond the arc, to go with four rebounds, three assists and four steals.
Corey Webster had a double double with 19 points and 11 assists as the Tuatara starting five showcased their talent.
They improve to 7-2 on the season.
Earlier in the evening, the Tuatara were soundly beaten 45-25 in Sky Broadband Rapid League. A close first half blew out in favour of the Hawks in the second spell.