The Auckland Tuatara have moved to sole possession of top of the Sal’s NBL standings thanks to a 100-87 win over the Franklin Bulls at Eventfinda Stadium.
The visitors jumped out of the blocks and grabbed an early lead but the Tuatara clawed their way back to level things up at 30-30 by the end of a high scoring first quarter.
With new additions to the roster – Joe Lawson III and Kruz Perrott-Hunt – getting plenty of action, the Tuatara offense took a little while to click but they started to warm to task in the second and third quarters to open up a comfortable lead.
Both new players looked like they will be quality additions to the roster and fitted in nicely to coach Aaron Young’s line-ups.
Centre Rob Loe had yet another monster night – the league MVP favourite scoring a game-high 30 points while pulling down 15 rebounds and adding six assists, a steal and three blocks.
Guard Jarrad Weeks 23 points, six boards and six assists while Reuben Te Rangi had 17 points.
The win makes it six in a row for the Tuatara, who improve to a league best 9-3 record.
They are back home next Saturday night when the Southland Sharks visit Eventfinda Stadium.