The three-time defending champion claimed a 78-71 victory over the City Rise Bombers in the final of the inaugural blitz tournament at the Edgar Centre on Saturday.
It was a hard-fought game in which the Saints were made to work for their win. Every time they threatened to pull away, the Bombers answered to keep things close going down the stretch.
Saints point guard James Ross led the way with 30 points.
His ability to threaten both going to the hoop and off the shot made him tough to contain.
He found his way to the free-throw line several times and scored 14 first-quarter points, including 11 in a row late in the quarter.
That enabled Saints to pull away to a 28-21 lead at the first break. The Bombers came out fighting in the second quarter and held the Saints to 14 points but managed only 12 themselves.
The Saints hit four three-pointers in an even third quarter to maintain their nine-point lead, before the Bombers pegged back two points in the final quarter.
Henrie Njob-Anti finished as the Bombers' leading scorer with 23 points, while Steve Robinson had 21. Liam Aston chipped in with 15 for the Saints.
Earlier, the Saints had cruised through pool play, beating Otago Boys' High School and Wakatipu to claim the top spot, but the other side of the draw proved more competitive.
The Bombers were made to work before pulling away late against the Chiefs, and then edged the Andersons Bay Falcons 72-69 to make the final.
The Chiefs, led by former Nugget Micah Lepaio, pipped the Falcons by two points earlier in the day.
The Mid City Magic and Varsity did not enter teams.
The season is set to begin on Saturday, with the women's competition getting under way next Tuesday.
