The Harbour Heat are on the board in the National Basketball League, recording their first win of the season 80-71 over the Nelson Giants at the North Shore Events Centre in Auckland.
Swingman Kevin Smith had a game-high 26 points as the Heat led last year's semi-finalists by as many as 16 points in the first half.
However the Heat ending up having to hold off the Giants, who got to within two with under two minutes left in the contest.
But an unsportsmanlike foul on the Giants' former Tall Black and Breakers star Phill Jones gave the Heat an opportunity to extend their lead, which they did with two free throws from Brad Anderson and a field goal from Zac Atkinson, giving the Heat a six-point lead with a minute left.
Nelson were forced to foul the home side, which would be to no avail, as Harbour would ice the game with free throws.
