The Southland Sharks have capped off a record-breaking National Basketball League season with a 72-68 triumph over the Wellington Saints tonight.
The title-winning victory coupled as the Sharks' 16th consecutive win - a league record, as Paul Henare's side showed true championship qualities all throughout their late-season run.
They had Todd Blanchfield and Tai Wesley to thank for the victory, with the duo combining for 42 points and 25 rebounds in the final, showing their class with superb performances on both ends as the Sharks won their second title in their short history.
As well as the stars on show, the performance of role players was always going to be a key factor, and savvy veteran Brendon Polyblank was the star man early with three first quarter triples giving him 11 points in the first 10 minutes of action. He was also called into action on the defensive end, matching up against the forceful Wesley in the post.
With Saints floor general Lindsay Tait controlling the tempo at a high-pace, the game had a distinct flow to it early on, while it was still physical down low as Wesley banged with Saints centre Daniel Johnson regularly.
The Saints were playing smart offence to garner a 25-20 lead, getting the majority of their buckets at the rim or from beyond the arc, but the Sharks clamped down defensively in the second period, limiting the Saints to just 14 points.
Wesley and big man partner Adrian Majstrovich provided good rim protection, and although Johnson put in a good stint on the offensive glass, the Sharks' effort and defensive rotations were top notch as they took a 41-39 lead into the half.
The encounter evolved into a battle down low for the majority of the third quarter, with both perimeters being adroitly contained and open shots at a premium. However, Tait awoke from a brief slumber to give his side an offensive boost - first hitting Leon Henry in the corner for three before euro-stepping into the lane and finishing in traffic to give the Saints a six point lead.
The Sharks would drag the deficit back to just a single point going into the last quarter, and an 8-0 run gave them a healthy deficit as the Saints went the first four minutes of the final period without scoring.
However, the impressive Dion Prewster went on a run of his own, with a putback and a triple being followed by two Tait free-throws to tie it up once again at 65.
From there, the Sharks' elite defence took over, with Wesley having two fourth-quarter blocks while Shea Ili came up trumps with a block on Lindsay Tait with seven seconds left which saw the Sharks hold on to their slim advantage in the final seconds.
"This is all worth it, it shows for all the hard work we've put in all season," said Blanchfield.
"Sending Paul and Kevin [Braswell] out on a high is something pretty special."
It was the final season with the franchise for Henare and long-time import point guard Kevin Braswell, and the Sharks found a way to send them off in deserving style.
Niall Anderson is staying in Wellington courtesy of Bay Plaza Hotel
