The Mike Pero Nelson Giants have responded from last Thursday night's dramatic 1-point loss to the Property Brokers Manawatu Jets by disposing of the Steelformers Taranaki Airs 100-86 in a quality Queen's Birthday clash.
Played in front of another big crowd at the Trafalgar Centre the home team didn't disappoint.
The Airs hit the court full of running and set the early pace, but once the Giants settled it was one-way traffic through the opening quarter as Hunter Hale and Donte Ingram found their stroke, pushing the home team to a 29-16 lead.
By the end of the half the Giants were out to a 57-35 lead and were as equally dominant on the boards.
Tai Wynyard was doing all he could to help the Airs keep touch, while Marcel Jones was ever present and shooting at a good clip.
As the third period unfolded both Hale and Ingram went to another level to ensure the result was safe, which sparked a flurry of subs and gave the Giants' second unit some heavy minutes.
Nic Trathen, Tysxun Aiolupotea, Josh Leger, Tyler Marsh and Riley Bensemann all got amongst the action, bringing plenty of cheers from the crowd and the likes of Hale, Ingram and Sam Dempster watching on.
Though down by as much as 34 points at one stage, the Airs battled back late with a 27-14 last quarter, but it all came too late.
The win pushes the Giants up to equal-fourth on the Sal's NBL ladder. For the Airs a string of losses is something they will want to turn around quickly.
Nelson Giants 100 defeated Taranaki Airs 86
Giants: Donte Ingram (22pts, 11rbs), Hunter Hale (20pts, 7ast), Nic Trathen (10pts).
Airs: Marcel Jones (32pts), Tai Wynyard (17pts).
Stuff MVP Votes
Hunter Hale (Giants) 9
Donte Ingram (Giants) 9
Marcel Jones (Airs) 5
Sam Dempster (Giants) 3
Tai Wynyard (Airs) 2
Anzac Rissetto (Giants) 2
