The Auckland Tuatara produced a strong second half to pull away and secure a comfy 87-59 win over the Manawatu Jets at Eventfinda Stadium to improve to 7-1 atop the Sal’s NBL standings.
It was the second win in three days for Aaron Young’s side, who have now opened up a buffer from the chasing pack.
The Jets pushed the Tuatara through the first quarter and for most of the second before a late run saw the home side take a 34-23 lead at halftime.
It was one-way traffic in the second half though as the Jets, fresh off their first win of the season a day earlier, began to fatigue in the second game of a back-to-back set.
Guard Dontae Russo-Nance was terrific for the Tuatara, pacing the offense with 17 points, five rebounds, two assists, three steals and a block in a super all-round showing.
American import Chris Johnson double doubled again with 15 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks including a highlight reel put-back dunk to end the first half.
Fellow big Rob Loe also double doubled with 12 points and 14 rebounds while Dan Fotu pulled down nine boards to go with his six points.
The Tuatara head off on a two-game road trip next weekend – to play the Airs in New Plymouth on Friday night and the Jets back in Palmerston North on Sunday.