If they have started as they mean to go on, the Otago Nuggets are in for some sort of season.
The Nuggets began their National Basketball League campaign with a fine 107-91 win over the Harbour Heat in Auckland last night.
It was Otago's first road win in four years, and first win in an opening game since 2007, though that season quickly fell apart and ended with a 2-16 record.
There is much more optimism surrounding the Nuggets this year, even if there is a long way to go, and the Heat was tipped to struggle in its first game back after a year in hiatus.
American import Akeem Wright led the Nuggets with 40 points, the most by a player in the franchise since Branduinn Fullove's 42 in triple overtime against the Jets in 2006.
Antoine Tisby added 20 points and Ricki Buckrell had 15.
Naturalised player Kevin Smith paced the Heat with 26 points, but the Nuggets' defence held imports Justin Bailey and Zac Atkinson to a combined 22 points.
The Nuggets back up tonight with a game against the Auckland Pirates.
