Basketball: sluggish Saints saved by tight defense

Wellington Saints Glen Joe
Wellington Saints Glen Joe
Wellington overcame a lethargic first half to beat North Harbour 84-80 in a National Basketball League match at home today and take some confidence into their play-off game with Hawke's Bay on Tuesday.

The first quarter was tight until North Harbour pulled away in the dying stages to take 27-22 lead into the second.

They extended that lead to 13 points by half time with Mike Bell having a strong second quarter.

They started the third quarter well and pulled further ahead until Wellington's defence and offence finally clicked to cut Harbour's lead to four 65-61.

The Saints tied the game up early in the fourth and inched into the lead after their defence forced turnovers.

Mike Efevberha was the star for Wellington taking a game high 31 points.

In Palmerston North, Manawatu finished their season on a high with a 110-90 victory over Taranaki.

Taranaki's loss leaves them without a win this season.

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