The Auckland Tuatara have opened their 2023 Sal’s NBL campaign with a hard-fought 91-86 win over the Nelson Giants at the Trafalgar Centre in Nelson.
The visitors made a strong start and led for the most part before the Giants came back to tie things up at three quarter time.
But the Tuatara big names got it going down the stretch – point guard Jarrad Weeks getting it done at both ends while centre Rob Loe was a beast defensively and was involved in everything.
Loe finished with a double double of 19 points, 13 rebounds, five assists, five steals and a block in a powerful first performance.
Weeks had 20 points, nine rebounds and three assists and hit a couple of big three pointers in the dying stages that proved vital.
Reuben Te Rangi led all scorers with 25 points, six rebounds and four assists while youngster Charlie Dalton had a big night as well, scoring 12 points.
The Tuatara return to Auckland to play the Taranaki Mountainairs next Friday night in their home opener at Eventfinda Stadium.