Basketball: All Stars in this side

The Auckland Stars had to call on all their firepower to down the Taranaki Mountain Airs 93-83 in a National Basketball League match in New Plymouth last night.

The Stars shone early to lead 22-17 after the first quarter, with Taranaki taking the second quarter 23-22 to trim the margin by one to 44-40 at halftime.

Some Lindsay Tait magic in the third quarter, with three three pointers from the deep, gave Auckland a nine-point lead after the third quarter at 65-56.

But Taranaki clawed back closing the gap to just three midway through the fourth quarter.

But two important baskets by Casey Frank and a three pointer by Reece Cassidy extended the lead once more.

The final two minutes were drawn out, with the hosts giving up several fouls.

For the Stars, Tait, Frank and Mike Honik had strong games, with Tony Rampton, Link Abrams and Mike Tompson Taranaki's best players.

Auckland Stars 93
(Lindsay Tait 25)

Taranaki Mountain Airs 83
(Link Abrams 29, Mike Tompson 19).

Halftime: 44-40.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY