Wellington Saints 107 – 79 Bay Hawks
TSB Bank Arena, Wellington | 25 May 2026

The Wellington Saints delivered a commanding performance on their home floor, dismantling the Bay Hawks 107-79 in a New Zealand National Basketball League clash that showcased the reigning champions’ depth and firepower. The victory extended the Saints’ winning streak and sent a clear message to the rest of the league as the regular season enters its decisive phase.

Blistering Start Sets the Tone

From the opening tip, Wellington imposed its will on both ends of the court. The Saints raced to a 32-18 lead after the first quarter, fuelled by relentless transition offence and suffocating perimeter defence. Bay Hawks coach Zico Coronel called an early timeout, but the damage had been done. The home side’s ball movement was crisp, and they converted 12 of their first 18 field‑goal attempts.

The second quarter saw much of the same. Wellington’s bench provided an immediate spark, with guard Tom Vodanovich knocking down three consecutive three‑pointers to push the lead past 20. By halftime, the Saints held a commanding 58-36 advantage, leaving the Hawks searching for answers on both sides of the ball.

Defensive Pressure Strangles Bay Hawks

Wellington’s defensive intensity never relented in the second half. They forced 17 turnovers — many in the open court — and turned those mistakes into 28 fast‑break points. The Saints’ big men controlled the glass, out‑rebounding the Bay Hawks 44-31, which limited second‑chance opportunities for the visitors.

Bay Hawks’ leading scorer Ethan Rusbatch was held to just 12 points on 4‑of‑14 shooting, well below his season average. The Saints’ switching defence, anchored by the versatile Jordan Ngatai, took away the mid‑range looks that the Hawks rely on, forcing them into contested triples and low‑percentage shots.

Standout Performances

• Tom Vodanovich (Wellington Saints): 27 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists – shot 6‑of‑9 from three‑point range.
• Jordan Ngatai (Wellington Saints): 18 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists – a double‑double that controlled the tempo.
• Isaiah Muon (Bay Hawks): 16 points off the bench, the lone bright spot for the visitors.
• Lachlan Olbrich (Wellington Saints): 14 points, 11 rebounds – another efficient double‑double in the paint.

Turning Point

The Bay Hawks tried to mount a comeback early in the third quarter, cutting the deficit to 14 points after a 9‑0 run. However, Saints head coach Zoran Dragić called a timeout, and his team responded with a 15‑2 spurt over the next four minutes. A thunderous dunk by Olbrich off a lob from point guard Kobe Langley sealed the momentum, and the Hawks never threatened again.

Season Impact

With the win, the Wellington Saints (14‑3) remain firmly atop the NBL standings, two games clear of the Canterbury Rams. The Bay Hawks (8‑9) drop to seventh place, now fighting to secure a playoff berth with only five games remaining in the regular season. This loss also marked the Hawks’ third consecutive defeat, raising concerns about their ability to compete against elite opposition away from home.

The Saints will look to build on this dominant showing when they host the Taranaki Mountainairs next Saturday, while the Bay Hawks return to Pettigrew Green Arena to face the struggling Southland Sharks, a must‑win clash if they hope to keep their postseason hopes alive.