Basketball: Welington Saints player dedicates NBL victory to late coach
Photo:
Marty Melville
The Wellington Saints have clinched their 13th National Basketball League title after narrowly defeating the Southland Sharks by five points.
Hyrum Harris and forward Jordan Ngatai were instrumental in the Wellington side's superb 88-83 win on their home court at TSB Arena in Wellington.
Ngatai dedicated the victory on Sunday to the team's late American coach Kevin Braswell who died in February aged 46.
Harris, the game's MVP brought an energetic display in the decider as he led the scoreboard with 20 points and 14 rebounds.
Ngatai was hot on his heels contributing 19 points to the total.
Expected to challenge the Wellington side, the Southerners came in to the grand final on a nine-game winning streak.
Southland's first half performance led to some nervous moments for Saints fans in the stands as the visitors raced out of the blocks.
Leading 44-41 at halftime the Sharks had the run of play, but the Saints found another gear to storm back from the brink.
With 11 rebounds in a mighty defensive performance Nick Marshall was another key cog for Wellington with 18 points on the scoreboard.
"I just wanted to win and we just had to find a way," a delighted Marshall said.
Saints head coach Aaron Young claimed his first title in charge in the capital after tasting defeat with the Auckland Tuatara in the past three finals.
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