The Otago Nuggets finished well, if that is any consolation.
They were dispatched 86-74 by the Taranaki Airs in their opening game at the Westside Blitz on Wednesday night.
The Airs dominated the first three quarters in Greymouth and led 78-51 with 10 minutes remaining.
But the Nuggets rallied in the final quarter. They outscored their opponent 23-8 to save further blushes.
American import Jose Perez top-scored in the game. The newly-minted Nugget posted 27 points and grabbed seven rebounds.
Guard Patrick Freeman shot the ball a lot and added 20 points and six rebounds.
Fresh recruit Christian Martin bagged nine points and six rebounds, but captain Darcy Knox had an off night. He went 0-for-6 and turned the ball over five times.
The Airs spread the scoring load. Jack Exeter (18), Dominique Kelman-Poto (13), Carlin Davison (16), former Nuggets centre Jack Andrew (15) and Armon Fletcher (11) all registered double figures.
The Nuggets' next assignment is against Hawke’s Bay this evening. It is their last hit-out before their opening game in the National Basketball League against the Southland Sharks in Dunedin on March 14.
