Will Neighbour had a strong first quarter after being dropped to the bench but only played 19 minutes, ending with 12 points and four steals, while fellow import Jeremy Kendle had a quieter night with 13 points and seven assists on 5/15 shooting.
Mitch McCarron led the Rangers' comeback with 32 points, seven rebounds and five assists, while Lindsay Tait had 14 points, six rebounds and six dimes.
Centre Nnanna Egwu had 10 points and 12 rebounds but missed several bunnies, only shooting 5/14 from the field. Brook Ruscoe dropped 20 points but hit on just 3/11 threes, including missing a potential go-ahead shot with seconds remaining as the Rams just clung to the win.
In New Plymouth, the Taranaki Mountain Airs have continued their strongest start in years, scraping past the short-handed Southland Sharks.
The Sharks had played in overtime the night before and struck some travel issues, meaning the game was delayed by half an hour.
They did get out of the gate faster though in a low-scoring affair, but an 11-0 third quarter run from the Airs gave them a lead they wouldn't relinquish.
Import Tylor Ongwae again proved the difference maker with 22 points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals, and got help from Houston O'Riley (12 points and seven rebounds), Aaron-Bailey Nowell (13 and six) and centre Daniel Gomis.
Alex Pledger returned to action for Southland, but only played 17 minutes off the bench as the Sharks dropped to 2-2 on the season.