KEY POINTS:
It didn't take long for the National Basketball League to produce its first upset result when Waikato beat Wellington in Hamilton yesterday.
The first round of the 2007 season was marked by Waikato's 94-90 overtime success after both teams were locked at 82-82 at fulltime.
After failing to post a win at last week's pre-season Blitz tournament and with the late arrival of American centre Jason Fraser and Luke Martin, not much was expected of Waikato.
"We had one practice and didn't really overcome our problems," coach Murray McMahon said.
"The two boys that came in late didn't play to their potential ... they played okay and did a good job, but the potential for better things is certainly there."
Fraser has arrived with the billing of a possible National Basketball Association prospect, but will take a while to find his groove in New Zealand.
"He'll be a little bit disappointed with his first outing, but I've now seen enough to know he's going to be quality in this league," McMahon said.
American Kevin Smith turned in a dominant performance for Waikato with 22 points and 13 rebounds, while the other standout was Puke Lenden with 20 points.
Nelson got their campaign off to a perfect start by closing out their southern road trip with an 84-71 win over Canterbury in Christchurch, a day after beating Otago 96-81 in Dunedin.
Veteran Ed Book showed there is life in the old legs yet with 26 points for Nelson.
North Harbour Heat handled a tricky trip to New Plymouth by dismissing Taranaki 84-73 behind 22 points from Hayden Allen.
- NZPA
