The Otago Night ‘n Day Nuggets have continued their unbeaten start to the season, defeating Manawatu Jets 112-103 at the Edgar Centre on Friday night.
Boosted by the return of star guard Tai Webster, the Nuggets made it two wins from as many starts.
Webster was impressive in his first game of the season, dropping 20 points to go with six assists and four rebounds.
American import Kimani Lawrence continued his hot form with a game-high 30 points and eight rebounds in just 25 minutes on court.
Young Australian Ben Henshall was also among the Nuggets’ best once again, having an impact at both ends of the floor with 28 points, including three triples, to go with seven rebounds, six assists and three steals.
Darcy Knox provided a spark off the bench with 14 points, while big man Jack Andrew reeled in a team-high 11 boards.
The Nuggets led for the majority of the evening, going into the final change with a handy 15-point buffer and never really looking troubled.
It capped off a great night with the Rapid League side also tasting victory in thrilling fashion thanks to Matthew Bardsley’s late shot.
With scores tied at 29-apiece, Bardsley, one of the heroes of Otago’s season-opening win last week after sending the game into overtime, hit a buzzer-beater in the paint with two opponents on him.
The Nuggets are back at home next Saturday night against Wellington Saints, looking to make it 3-0.
