Wellington Saints clinch NBL title

Nick Kay

Saints - Hawks 78-68

The Wellington Saints have been crowned NBL champions. They came from behind to tame the Taylor Bay Hawks in the title game tonight. The hosts trailed by 10 points after three quarters before their 29-9 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Saints outrebounded Hawks 50-27 including a 13-1 advantage in offensive rebounds. Worth to mention a great performance of Australian power forward Nick Kay (206-92, college: MSU Denver) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 13 points, 15 rebounds and 7 assists. The former international forward Robert Loe (211-91, college: St.Louis) contributed with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 15 rebounds for the winners. Four Saints players scored in double figures. American forward Brandon Bowman (205-84, college: Georgetown, agency: David Lee Services) answered with 30 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists and 6 blocks and international swingman Ethan Rusbatch (196-92, college: Lincoln Trail CC) added 18 points in the effort for Hawks.
Top scorers:
Saints: T.Abercrombie 22+7reb+1ast, R.Loe 14+15reb+2ast, N.Kay 13+15reb+7ast, R.Te Rangi 12+3reb, S.Ili 9+5reb+8ast, J.Ngatai 6+1reb+1ast
Hawks: B.Bowman 30+9reb+5ast, E.Rusbatch 18+3reb+2ast, D.Prewster 11+7reb+2ast, E.Singler 6+6reb+2ast, J.Kenny 3+2reb+2ast, E.Bartlett 0