Ken Tuffin led the bench mob of Wellington as the Saints dispatched Southland in the 2021 Sal’s NZ-NBL tournament, 105-73, Friday afternoon (Manila time) at the TSB Bank Arena.
Tuffin scored nine points built on three triples as he once again was the high-point man for the backup unit of the Saints.
Leading the charge for Welling in its third win was former La Salle foreign student-athlete Taane Samuel. Samuel, who averaged just 6.0 points and 4.0 rebounds in their first two games, had 26 points on five triples with four rebounds and two assists.
Wellington showed no mercy against Southland in the one-sided affair.
Leading nine points, 71-62, heading to the final frame, the Saints bombarded the Sharks with a 34-point finisher while limiting their opponents to just 11 points.
Dion Prewster continued his tear as well for Wellington, tallying 22 points on 8-of-12 shooting with seven rebounds and six assists. Kerwin Roach added 16 points, six assists, and three rebounds.
Wellington shot a whopping 59-percent from the field while knocking down 16 triples.
Southland, who fell to 2-1 and is coached by a frequent visitor to the country in Rob Beveridge, was led by the 12 points of Brayden Inger and Alonzo Burton. Dominique Kelman-Poto chipped in 11 points, six rebounds, and six assists.
Up next for Tuffin and the Saints are the Nelson Giants on May 15.
