An aggressive and hard-fought game led to a slow start for both teams, as some hard fouls limited the score to 17-10 to the Saints after the first quarter.
However, the quality of basketball improved in the second quarter, as both teams found aim and started to hit shots from outside the arc to end the half.
The Falcons clawed back the score in the third quarter with some excellent three-point shooting from guard Alaric McCarthy.
On his way to 15 points, McCarthy's impressive shooting continued, finally giving the Falcons their first lead with seven minutes remaining.
The Falcons then iced off the game with Tony Wallbutton staying cool to hit consecutive free-throws to give his team a six-point lead in the last minute.
Saints and Nuggets player Damon Cleverly looked to have badly injured his ankle late in the game after landing awkwardly and hobbled off the court.
However, he would not be kept out, returning to finish the game.
For the Saints, captain Tom Ingham top-scored with 14.
Otago Boys' High School (1-2) got its first win of the season, beating the winless Bombers (0-3) 70-65.
Otago Boys' trailed 45-56 entering the final quarter, but the return of former Nugget Tom Rowe in the second half saw the school side erase the deficit and finish the game strongly.
Rowe finished with 12 points, and his leadership and play proved the turning point for his club.
Captain Chris Hood was inspirational for his team, leading the way with 28 points.
Earlier, the Magic (2-1) scored 30 points in the third quarter to come from behind and beat University Blue (1-2) 74-64.
Tom Allen and Hayden Miller both scored 18 points for the Magic.
University player Campbell Arnott top-scored for his team with 22 points.
