That is how long it has been since the Otago Nuggets triumphed over the Taranaki Airs, last beating the side convincingly 93-66 in 2021.
Taranaki has not been a happy hunting ground for the Nuggets in recent years, but if head coach Brent Matehaere has anything to do with it, that ends tonight.
The Nuggets are on the road for the first time, after notching up wins against the Manawatu Jets and Southland Sharks at home to start the NBL season.
Last week’s win will have installed plenty of confidence, having been down by 10 early in the third quarter and putting on a defensive masterclass to come back and beat the Sharks 76-68.
But the Airs will be on cloud nine after David Azore’s buzzer-beater secured a 95-93 win against the Hawke’s Bay Hawks.
The Airs might be quick across the court, but the Nuggets are one-up on strength, making for an interesting match-up tonight in New Plymouth.
"They like to play fast up and down the floor," Matehaere said.
"So the shots we take will be really important, so we need to be taking shots out of offence and ensuring that we’ve got our defensive transition in place ready to combat their fast break.
"We also have a size advantage.
"We want to be challenging them on the offensive boards to make sure that we keep them in check, so they actually have to come and box us out. I think that’s important."
The Nuggets have been solid defensively, allowing in just 67.5 points per game to start the season.
"It appears to be one of our strengths.
"The guys are committed to locking in and defending.
"It’s certainly something we’ve needed to do in order to win games, so finding a way to win has been really important and it seems to be defence at the moment."
Shooting has room for improvement, with the Nuggets making 39.1% of its field goals and 25% its its three-pointers against the Sharks last week.
American import JaQuori McLaughlin was fresh last week, scoring 25 points, six rebounds and six assists, supported by captain Sam Timmins with 17 points and 10 rebounds.
"I think it still continues to be [a matter of] connections and being on the same page and we’re getting better at that," Matehaere said.
"This week’s training’s been really good.
"We’re creating good shots, we’re not knocking them down, but it’s something that is I guess heading in the right direction.
"We’re happy with where we’re at.
"It’s just a matter of continuing to put the work in and get those connections working."
NBL
TSB Stadium, 7pm, today
Otago Nuggets: Sam Timmins, JaQuori McLaughlin, Todd Withers, Michael Harris, Jack Andrew, Josh Aitcheson, Matthew Bardsley, Darcy Knox, Robbie Coman
Taranaki Airs: Zavier Adam, David Azore, Quintin Bailey, Oscar Goodman, Anthony Hilliard, Armon Fletcher, Benji Freeman, Marcel Jones, Richie Rodger, Anzac Rissetto, Scott Telfer, Riley Tuuat, Cameron Quinnell.
