The match beginsThis section beginsThe jump ball begins
Ariel successfully jumped the ball
Mohler failed to jump the ballPepper missed a three-pointerMoller defensively reboundedLashbach missed a floater for 2 pointsPepper defended the reboundIngram hit a three-pointerPepper assistsLouis scored 2 points on a floaterPepper missed a floater for 2 pointsTuachi blocked the ballPepper grabs offensive reboundsIngram missed a three-pointerTuaqi defended the reboundPace missed a three-point shot—TataHarris defensively reboundedIngram missed a floater for 2 pointsHarris grabbed offensive reboundsHarris missedLouis defended the reboundLashbach hit a three-pointerLouis assisted the attackRashbach committed a personal foulAriel was fouledAriel made his first free throwAriel made his second free throwTuaqi missed a step-back shot after a two-point shotIngram defended the reboundPepper hit a step-back jumper from a threeRashbach missed a two-point shotIngram defended the reboundPepper missed a three-pointerPace defensively rebounded - TataPace scored on a 2-point drifting layup to TataPepper missed a three-pointerMoller defensively reboundedTuaqi made a walking errorQiong Jia was substitutedPepper was substitutedHarris made a dribbling errorTuachi made a mistake while dribblingAriel stole the ballHarris missed a floater for 2 pointsRashbach defended the reboundLashbach hit a pull-up jumper from a threeIngram scored 2 points and made a floaterAriel assistedPace hit a step-back jumper to TataLouis committed a personal foulAriel was fouledJose was subbed inTuachi was substitutedUri was subbed outAriel was substitutedHunter was subbed inPepper was subbed inHarris hit a three-pointerJose missed a three-pointerPepper defended the reboundIngram missed a two-point shotJose defended the reboundHunter committed a personal foulJose was fouledLouis was subbed inMohler was substitutedTuaqi came onBardsley came onJose missed his first free throwDead-ball offensive reboundsJose missed his second free throwHunter defensively reboundsIngram missed a floater for 2 pointsJose defended the reboundTuaqi scored a 2-point drifting layupPauseHarris was subbed inIngram was substitutedAriel came onYuri switched inPepper hit a 2-point jumperTuaqi missed a 2-point drive layupJose grabs offensive reboundsHe Sai missedHunter defensively reboundsUly made a mistake while dribblingTuaqi stole the ballRashbach made a mistake while dribblingMole was subbed inPace replaced TataPepper hit a three-pointerYouli assisted the attackPauseLouis switched inBardsley came on offLouis hit a 2-point shotAriel scored a 2-point drifting layupPepper assistsMoeller missed a floater for 2 pointsMohler grabs offensive reboundsMoeller hit a two-point shotHunter scored 2 points on a floaterAriel assistedHunter committed a personal foulTuachi was fouledLouis was subbed inRashbach was substitutedPesz brought on TataBardsley came onTuaqi made his first free throwTuachi made his second free throwPepper missed a three-pointerEnd of the first quarterOtago Nuggets 90 – 91 Wellington Saints
New Zealand National Basketball League | July 4, 2026
The Wellington Saints edged out the Otago Nuggets in a heart‑stopping 91‑90 thriller at the Edgar Centre on Saturday afternoon, keeping their playoff hopes alive in a fiercely competitive New Zealand NBL season.
Match Overview
From the opening tip, both sides traded blows in a high‑tempo affair. The Nuggets, buoyed by a vocal home crowd, controlled much of the first half behind sharp outside shooting and aggressive drives to the rim. However, the Saints responded with disciplined defence and timely three‑pointers of their own, ensuring the margin never stretched beyond single digits.
The fourth quarter turned into a classic back‑and‑forth duel. With under a minute remaining, Otago took a one‑point lead after a fast‑break layup. But Wellington’s composure under pressure proved decisive: a perfectly executed pick‑and‑roll freed up their leading scorer, who drained a mid‑range jumper with five seconds left to seal the win. The Nuggets had one last chance but a contested three‑pointer rimmed out as the buzzer sounded.
Key Performers
- Wellington Saints: Tom Vodanovich led all scorers with 27 points (including 4‑of‑6 from deep), while guard Tai Smith added 18 points and 7 assists.
- Otago Nuggets: Forward Luke McCowan posted a double‑double (22 points, 11 rebounds) and guard Sam Henderson chipped in 20 points but missed the potential game‑winner.
Tactical Story
The Saints’ ability to switch defensively and limit second‑chance points was critical. Otago dominated the offensive glass (14 offensive rebounds) but shot only 42% from the field, partly due to Wellington’s active hands (9 steals). The Nuggets’ three‑point volume (34 attempts) kept them in the game, but their 33.3% conversion rate ultimately cost them.
League Context
With this victory, the Saints improved to 10‑7, tightening their grip on a top‑four spot. The Nuggets, now 9‑8, remain in fifth place but are just one game behind fourth. Every result counts as the regular season enters its final stretch, and this narrow defeat could prove costly for Otago’s championship aspirations.
The two sides are scheduled to meet again in Wellington on July 25, with playoff seeding likely on the line.
Otago Nuggets vs Wellington Saints Live Score, Stats & Results
Match Overview
The Otago Nuggets vs Wellington Saints fixture is part of the New Zealand NBL during the 2026 season. Follow live scores, New Zealand NBL fixtures, match statistics, New Zealand NBL standings and New Zealand NBL match results for Otago Nuggets vs Wellington Saints on Tiger Scores 365.
Head-to-Head Record
Previous Otago Nuggets vs Wellington Saints meetings provide useful insight into past results, points scored and overall head-to-head performance between the two teams.
Team Form
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New Zealand NBL Standings
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Match Statistics
Follow points, rebounds, assists, field goals and other key statistics for Otago Nuggets vs Wellington Saints. Tiger Scores 365 provides live and post-match data throughout the fixture.