Otago Nuggets 103 def wellington saints 94

13 May 2023

Box Score

Summary

The Nuggets make it 7-0 this season with a win over the Wellington Saints.

Visiting from Wellington, the Saints went toe to toe with the Nuggets in the first quarter, finishing the term three points ahead of the home side.

In the second term the Nuggets started flexing their strengths, stacking on 35 points helped by seven three pointers resulting in one of the sides highest scoring quarters of the season.

The term was capped off by an intelligent Sam Timmins play, securing a rebound and immediately calling a player time out allowing the side to advance the ball with 2 seconds left on the clock, before catching the inbound pass from Matt Bardsley and knocking down a midrange to put the side up seven going into half time.

Saints came out firing in the second half, immediately going on a 13-2 run to take the lead and put the side up five throughout the term. Otago hit back with an 18-8 run of their own to take back control of the game and hold a three-point advantage heading into the last quarter.

Otago didn’t look back from here, thanks to some timely buckets from Todd Withers they were able to break away and control the game walking away nine point winners.

Tom Vodanovich was strong for the visiting side, with 29 points and 7 rebounds.

Michael Harris continued his scoring ways with 21 points and 4 rebounds.

Todd Withers knocked down 5 three pointers on his way to 18 points.

Sam Timmins had his fifth double-double of the season, with 15 points and 14 rebounds in a strong showing for the centre. 

Player Focus

JaQuori McLaughlin was phenomenal, controlling the game with a 31-point, 9 assist effort including five three pointers and three steals.

Next Game

It’s a short turnaround for the Nuggets as they are set to take on the Tuatara at home this Thursday 18 May at 7.00pm