The depleted Nuggets had a monster second quarter, scoring 32 points, and scores were tied 76-76 after three quarters, before the Jets held on for a 106-103 win.
It was a fine effort from the Nuggets, considering they were without both Brendon Polybank (broken nose) and player-coach Mark Dickel, who sat out due to groin and hip issues.
Dickel suggested his side's final road trip of the season was about offering some of the younger players a chance to shine, and Tolovae grabbed it with both hands.
He finished with 24 points, on 9-of-16 shooting, and seven rebounds in just 25 minutes.
Imports Warren Carter (25 points, 11 rebounds) and Brandon Bowdry (23 points, 13 rebounds, six assists) stuffed the stats sheet, and Sam King chipped in with 17 points and seven rebounds.
Paul Jones (23 points), Brandon Jenkins (21) and Alonzo Burton (19) led the Jets' scorers, while Jeremiah Trueman (15 rebounds) and Nick Horvath (13) dominated the boards.
The Nuggets will head to Napier tonight, to complete their season with a game against the Hawkes Bay Hawks.
In other games last night, the Nelson Giants beat the Southland Sharks 101-89, and the Wellington Saints thumped the Taranaki Mountain Airs 98-79.
NBL: The scores
Jets ... 106
Paul Jones 23, Brandon Jenkins 21, Alonzo Burton 19
Nuggets ... 103
Warren Carter 25, Tony Tolovae 24, Brandon Bowdry 23
Quarter scores: 1st, 29-18; 2nd, 50-50; 3rd, 76-76.
