<\/p>\n
\nThe Wellington Saints finally reeled in the Southland Sharks in the NBL final.
\nPhoto: Marty Melville\n<\/p>\n
The Wellington Saints have clinched their 13th National Basketball League title after narrowly defeating the Southland Sharks by five points.<\/p>\n
Hyrum Harris and forward Jordan Ngatai were instrumental in the Wellington side’s superb 88-83 win on their home court at TSB Arena in Wellington.<\/p>\n
Ngatai dedicated the victory on Sunday to the team’s late American coach Kevin Braswell who died in February aged 46.<\/p>\n
Harris, the game’s MVP brought an energetic display in the decider as he led the scoreboard with 20 points and 14 rebounds.<\/p>\n
Ngatai was hot on his heels contributing 19 points to the total.<\/p>\n
Expected to challenge the Wellington side, the Southerners came in to the grand final on a nine-game winning streak.<\/p>\n
Southland’s first half performance led to some nervous moments for Saints fans in the stands as the visitors raced out of the blocks.<\/p>\n
Leading 44-41 at halftime the Sharks had the run of play, but the Saints found another gear to storm back from the brink.<\/p>\n
With 11 rebounds in a mighty defensive performance Nick Marshall was another key cog for Wellington with 18 points on the scoreboard.<\/p>\n
“I just wanted to win and we just had to find a way,” a delighted Marshall said.<\/p>\n
Saints head coach Aaron Young claimed his first title in charge in the capital after tasting defeat with the Auckland Tuatara in the past three finals.<\/p>\n