Basketball: Nelson upset Saints

Nelson handed the Saints their first loss of the season. Photo / Getty Images

Perennial title contenders Nelson have ignited their National Basketball League (NBL) season with a 99-93 upset of previously unbeaten Wellington last night, their sixth successive victory over the defending champions.

Inspired by imports Rod Grizzard and Darryl Dora, and the recent return of Phill Jones and Mika Vukona after completing their respective Australian NBL duties, the Giants swept aside the in-form Saints to secure their second victory from five matches this season.

After a poor start by their standards it was only a matter of time before Nelson started firing some shots and, with a stellar recent record against the best team in the league during the past 12 months, a return to form last night was always on the cards.

The hosts made a superb start and led 27-18 after the first quarter - import Kareem Johnson was on fire in the opening stanza - but Nelson picked up their game in the second quarter to lead 44-43 at halftime.

They stretched the lead to three points at three-quarter time before closing the match out in the final 10 minutes, Grizzard and Dora contributing 22 and 19 points, respectively, while Jones was a hot 60 per cent from the field in adding 19 points and Vukona notched a 14-point, 12-rebound double-double.

Johnson led the way for Wellington with 22 points and 12 rebounds while Corey Webster had 18 points.

- NZPA