Basketball: Stars push Titans to the wire

By PETER JESSUP

Auckland were the surprise package on the opening weekend of the national league, shaking champions Waikato terrier-like before the Titans escaped with a flattering win.

Big plays from the experienced guard line produced rebounds and a late roll of points that overtook Auckland's game-long lead, 72-all with two minutes to go, 74-all at 60 seconds and 82-74 at the end.

"We had a 'get out of jail free' card'," admitted coach Jeff Green, adding that he always felt they would win so were not too stressed.

Dillon Boucher made a good transition south and he and fellow former Aucklander Prem Krishna and ex-North Harbour skipper Brendon Cathie-Pongia were the difference.

Green reckoned the Aucklanders played above themselves, as other sides will. Waikato have a "big target on our backs" as they aim for a title repeat and one better than their 15-win, one-loss record last year.

The visitors slowed Waikato's roll with time-out calls and fouls. Both teams shot poorly, Auckland marginally better, and both will clearly improve, although both have personnel to come.

The returning Kenny Stone played 28 minutes and as new Auckland coach said he would have given himself more time on court but for a hip injury. His experience may have helped close out a game the visitors should have won.

But Stone looked done-in when he subbed himself off after his first top-level competition in three seasons. Auckland will learn more from the outcome than it would have from reliance on a veteran.

Add an import - American Casey Franks from Arizona, most recently from the Swedish national league, arriving this week - and the Auckland side will bother others, a ball-playing centre being what was missing on Saturday.

Lindsay Tait was their stand-out but there was a stand-up performance from former Waikato forward Rob Tuilave and NBL debutante Glen Joe.

The Battle of the Bridge at the North Shore Events Centre next weekend takes on extra significance for both Auckland sides after Harbour also lost 99-86 at Palmerston North.

Clifton Bush scored 19 points and newcomer Murray Pearce 16 in an all-the-way win for the Jets.

Last year's Jets centre Ed Book scored a game-high 28 for new team Nelson as they beat Wellington Saints 89-80.

In the other game of the opening round, Canterbury beat Otago 88-68.