NUggets overcome saints to go 3-0
The Night n’ Day Otago Nuggets’ red-hot start to the Sal’s NBL season continued with a thrilling come-from-behind victory over Wellington in Dunedin on Saturday night.
The Edgar Centre was rocking as the Nuggets produced an impressive second half to prevail 105-98.
Otago trailed 65-56 at the main break and by as much as 14 late in the second term before turning the game on its head to go 3-0 for the season and top of the ladder.
The Nuggets had to overcome a late scare from the Saints, down by four points with as many minutes remaining.
The hosts then went on a stunning 14-0 run to put the result beyond doubt.
Australian Ben Henshall is building a compelling case for the competition’s Youth Player of the Year award, dropping a team-high 29 points - including five triples - to go with six rebounds and four steals.
Henshall scored seven points during the late game-defining charge.
The Perth Wildcats product is averaging 24.5 points, six rebounds and 4.5 assists across the first four games of his debut season at the Nuggets.
American imports Zaccheus Darko-Kelly (27) and Kimani Lawrence (24) combined for 51 points.
Darko-Kelly enjoyed his best game of the season, falling two rebounds shy of a double-double while also contributing three assists.
Energetic guard Tai Webster (13 points and eight rebounds) and big man Jack Andrew (eight points and 10 rebounds) also contributed.
Against several of his Wildcats teammates, Hyrum Harris stood tall for Wellington with 16 points and a whopping 17 boards.
Otago play their first road game of the season against Franklin Bulls on Thursday night.
