One up

Grant Chapman - BBNZ

Former Aussie coaching maestro Gordy McLeod got his local NBL career off to a winning start by guiding St Laurence Wellington Saints to an 82-75 road win over Appliance Shed Harbour Heat at North Shore Events Centre.

American Jamal Livingston sparked a 12-0 run in the final quarter with a three-point play and veteran forward Terrence Lewis shot 6/6 FT down the stretch to hold off a determined Harbour comeback. Trailing by as many as 10 points in the fourth period, the Heat got within four points with just over a minute remaining, but their guests found their groove from the line to stay clear.

Lewis led Saints with 19 points (4/7 FG, 1/2 3pt, 10/11 FT), while Livingston had six of his 13 points in the decisive run.

Forward Brent Charleton paced Harbour with 22 points (9/16 FG, 4/8 3pt).

Saints are done for the week, but Harbour must regroup for a Battle of the Bridge clash with the two-time defending league champions Auckland Stars at ASB Stadium, Kohimaram, on Saturday.

Wednesday, March 9
North Shore
St Laurence Wellington Saints 82 (Terrence Lewis 19, Michael Tompson 13, Tony Jones 13, Jamal Livingston 13) Appliance Shed Harbour Heat 75 (Brent Charleton 22, Hayden Allen 16, Mike King 10)
Quarter 13-15
Halftime 31-31 (18-16)
Threequarter 56-54 (25-23)
Fulltime 82-75 (26-21)

Box Score