Ken Tuffin had a successful debut with Wellington, helping the Saints rack up a 95-73 win in the opener of the 2021 Sal’s New Zealand-National Basketball League season, Saturday at the Edgar Centre.
Tuffin, whose role with Wellington is different than in Taranaki last season, came off the bench. The former Far Eastern University stalwart still had five points, three rebounds, and two steals.
“I’m more focusing on just playing my role and again contributing where I can within the system. And when I can, get the chance to do whatever the team needs,” said Tuffin.
The Saints were solid as a team, as a huge 26-14 second quarter storm gave them a 57-38 lead.
It was all Wellington from there, as it led by as much as 33 points, 89-56, early in the final frame thanks to a Dion Prewster bucket.
All in all, Wellington made it rain on Otago, knocking down 13 triples while shooting 50-percent from the field.
Prewster, a Tall Black, had 31 points, five rebounds, and seven assists to lead the Saints. Meanwhile, Kerwin Roach added 19 markers.
Former DLSU foreign student-athlete Taane Samuel tallied nine points and five rebounds.
Tuffin’s compatriot Richie Rodger started for Otaga and had two points and three assists.
Pacing the Nuggets was Isaiah Moss with 20 points and six boards. Samuel Timmins tallied 18 points and nine boards.
Up next for Tuffin and the Saints are the Canterbury Rams on Friday at 3:30PM.
