Basketball: Saints too strong for Taranaki

A strong start laid a solid foundation for Saints' comfortable 104-78 National Basketball League win over Taranaki in New Plymouth last night.

Saints got off to a quick start, jumping out to an early 17-6 lead with numerous transition baskets, and were never threatened for the remainder of the match.

Trailing 30-50 at halftime, Taranaki made a mini-run late in the third quarter cutting the lead to 14 at 68-54, but a Saints three-pointer on the three-quarter time hooter built the lead back to 17.

Saints shot 50 per cent from the floor for the evening, while Taranaki could only manage 39.5 per cent.

Saints were led by a monster evening from Arthur Trousdell with 33 points and 12 rebounds, while Mike Efevbehra added 23 and Troy McLean 15.

Calum McLeod, starting in place of import Damon Thronton, had a solid evening with 10 points and eight rebounds, including some nice low-post moves.

Taranaki were led by imports Phillip Gilbert with 22 points and Eric Vierneisel (21 points and 14 rebounds) while James Paringatai continued his good form of late with 15 points.

- NZPA