The Auckland Tuatara have lost their first game on the road in the Sal’s NBL after losing 88-86 to the Taranaki Mountainairs in New Plymouth on Friday night.
Aaron Young’s side led for the majority of the game but were outplayed in the final minute as the Airs came up with some big plays when it counted.
It marks just the second time in 2022 that the Tuatara have tasted defeat and sees their record fall to 7-2.
Skipper Rob Loe had 19 points, nine rebounds and three assists to power the Tuatara offense. He was supported by Chris Johnson who had a 10-point, 13 rebound double double.
Taki Fahrensohn led the Tuatara with 20 points and five rebounds while Dontae Russo-Nance scored 19 points, three rebounds and four assists.
The Tuatara are back in action on Sunday when they travel to Palmerston North to play the Manawatu Jets.