Wellington Saints 107 – 95 Whai | New Zealand National Basketball League

July 18, 2026 – TSB Bank Arena, Wellington

Match Overview

The Wellington Saints delivered a commanding performance at home to defeat Whai 107–95 in a high‑scoring New Zealand National Basketball League contest. The win keeps the Saints firmly in the playoff hunt, while Whai saw their two‑game winning streak snapped despite a gritty second‑half rally.

First Half Dominance

From the opening tip, the Saints set a blistering pace. Their transition offense, triggered by aggressive defensive rebounds, led to easy baskets in the paint. By the end of the first quarter, Wellington had built a 34‑22 lead, fueled by a 14‑0 run midway through the period. Whai struggled to contain the Saints' ball movement, allowing open looks from beyond the arc.

The second quarter saw Whai adjust defensively, switching to a zone that momentarily slowed the Saints. However, Wellington’s guards consistently found gaps, and a three‑point barrage pushed the halftime margin to 65‑46. The Saints’ 60.5% field‑goal percentage in the half was a key factor.

Whai’s Second‑Half Response

Whai emerged from the locker room with renewed energy. Behind a full‑court press and aggressive drives to the basket, they trimmed the deficit to 10 points midway through the third quarter. Import guard Jamal Hawkins‑Gray scored 12 of his game‑high 28 points in the period, keeping his team within striking distance.

Yet every time Whai threatened, the Saints answered. Veteran forward Tom Vodanovich knocked down critical mid‑range jumpers, and point guard Shea Ili orchestrated the offense with poise. The Saints maintained a double‑digit lead for most of the fourth quarter, sealing the 107‑95 victory.

Standout Performers

• Wellington Saints: Shea Ili recorded a double‑double with 22 points and 11 assists, while Tom Vodanovich added 24 points on 9‑of‑13 shooting. Key contributions came from Hyrum Harris (16 points, 8 rebounds) and rookie guard Max Darling (14 points off the bench).
• Whai: Jamal Hawkins‑Gray finished with 28 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists. Forward Jordan Ngatai chipped in 18 points, but Whai’s bench was outscored 38‑18.

Turning Point

The decisive moment came early in the third quarter. After Whai cut the lead to 69‑59, Saints head coach Zico Coronel called a timeout. Out of the break, Wellington executed a 9‑2 run, capped by a Vodanovich steal and dunk, restoring a 17‑point lead that Whai never seriously challenged again.

Season Implications

With the win, the Saints improve to 13‑5, solidifying third place in the NBL standings. Whai drop to 9‑9, sitting seventh but still within reach of a play‑in berth. The two teams meet again on August 1 in Auckland, a matchup that could have significant postseason ramifications.

The Saints’ ability to control tempo and exploit mismatches will be critical down the stretch. For Whai, tightening defensive rotations and finding consistent scoring outside Hawkins‑Gray remains the priority.

Next up: Wellington Saints travel to face the Canterbury Rams on July 22; Whai host the Taranaki Airs on July 20.