A series of delayed flights mixed with the frustration of having the team split across three different alternative flights hours later made for a horrid preparation as the Supercity Rangers headed to Nelson on Saturday night in R4.
The game started some 45-minutes late after the Rangers scrambled to get to the venue and once they did it was frazzled looking unit that hastily switched their minds to warming up to tackle a fresh and ready Giants team.
A 27-13 start by the Giants was as predictable as it was definitive in helping the home team establish what would be a match-winning lead.
Three triples from the hand of Rhys Vague in the opening 10 minutes was telling.
Despite continually fighting their way back into the game, the Rangers struggled from the arc and try as they might the margin never got back to single digits.
With Venky Jois battling a virus and Daniel Green battling foul trouble, the Rangers had to reach deep into their reserves.
Exciting for the Giants, they too worked their rotations hard with all 12 players seeing good minutes.
Tim Quarterman stepped up after the long break and ended the game with 40 of his team's 77 points in a display that came with plenty of highlights.
For the winners, Vague (19pts) was again solid, while Daniel Grida added 13pts.
The win ends a four-game streak at home for the Giants and they'll now hit the road with a 3-1 record. On the flipside, the Rangers return home with a 1-4 record.
Nelson Giants 95 def Supercity Rangers 77
Giants - Rhys Vague 19pts, Dan Grida 13pts, Tyrell Harrison 12pts & 9rbs.
Rangers - Tim Quarterman 40pts & 9rbs, Venky Jois 15pts & 12rbs.
