The Auckland Pirates have won the National Basketball League, the two-season franchise outlasting the two-time defending champions Wellington Saints 89-83 in in a tense final at Wellington's TSB Bank Arena on Sunday.
Trailing late in the third quarter, the Pirates closed the period with eight straight points that gave them an advantage they never conceded down the home straight.
Saints closed within three points with just over a minute remaining, but just couldn't compelte the comeback.
Breakers centre Alex Pledger was the rock for Auckland with 20 points and nine rebounds, while American Ernest Scott led all scorers for Saints with 28 points and a virtuoso shooting display that included six three-pointers.
