NZL - First strike

AUCKLAND (NBL) - American Bakari Hendrix capped a perfect debut for Century City Wellington Saints, shooting them to a comeback 82-79 road win over TET Taranaki Mountain Airs in the Dominion Finance NBL.

Hendrix joined Saints this week to replace Aussie Andrew Rice and was subdued through the first half as the Airs rode a strong second quarter to lead 59-52 at the break. But the newcomer came into his own over the final 20 minutes, finishing with a team-high with 19 points and hitting a three-pointer in the dying seconds to secure victory.

The result avenged Saints' 80-91 home loss to the Airs in Round Two, but Taranaki still hold a countback edge on points differential.

Forward Adrian Majstrovich supported Hendrix with 14 points, while American Garry Hill-Thomas led all scorers with 28 points for the Mountain Airs.

Wellington improve to 5-2 for the season to retain their hold on second spot (behind Youthtown Auckland Stars) on the NBL table. They visit defending champions Easy LPG Bay Hawks next Friday.

In Round Six, Taranaki (3-4) face the South Island doubleheader - Scenic Circle Canterbury Rams on Thursday in the TV game (SKY Sport 1) and Cartridge World Otago Nuggets on Friday. 


New Plymouth

Century City Wellington Saints 82 (Bakari Hendrix 19, Adrian Majstrovich 14, Troy McLean 10) TET Taranaki Mountain Airs 79 (Garry Hill-Thomas 28, Link Abrams 15, Damon Rampton 13)

Quarter 18-14

Halftime 29-37 (11-23)

Threequarter 52-59 (23-22)

Fulltime 82-79 (30-20)

Grant Chapman