The Wellington Saints delivered a commanding performance on the road, dismantling the Bay Hawks 107-82 in a New Zealand National Basketball League clash on July 23, 2026. The Saints’ balanced attack and stifling defense proved too much for the Hawks, who struggled to keep pace from the opening tip.
Match Overview
From the outset, Wellington seized control with a 12-2 run, establishing a double-digit lead by the end of the first quarter. The Saints’ tempo and ball movement overwhelmed the Hawks’ zone schemes, consistently finding open shooters and cutting lanes. By halftime, the visitors led 58-40, and they never let the margin dip below 15 points in the second half. Bay Hawks showed brief resilience in the third quarter with a 7-0 spurt, but Wellington responded with a 14-2 burst to put the game beyond reach.
Key Moments
- First-quarter dominance: Saints guard Tom Vodanovich scored 10 points in the opening period, setting the tone with aggressive drives and pinpoint passing.
- Run stopper: After Bay Hawks cut the lead to 14 early in the third, Saints forward Taane Samuel hit back-to-back three-pointers to restore order.
- Fourth-quarter exclamation: Wellington’s bench unit outscored the Hawks’ reserves 20-8 in the final frame, sealing the emphatic victory.
Standout Performances
Wellington Saints: Vodanovich finished with 24 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds in a near-flawless all-around game. Center Sam Timmins dominated the paint with 18 points and 12 rebounds, while guard Izayah Le’afa added 16 points and 6 assists. The Saints shot 52% from the field and 41% from three-point range.
Bay Hawks: Forward Ethan Rusbatch led the home side with 20 points and 8 rebounds, but received little support. Guard Jarrod West notched 14 points and 5 assists, but the Hawks committed 17 turnovers and shot just 38% from the floor.
Tactical Story
The Saints’ defensive switching flustered the Hawks’ half-court offense, forcing contested jumpers and late shot-clock attempts. Wellington pushed the pace after every miss, scoring 24 fast-break points compared to the Hawks’ 7. Meanwhile, Bay Hawks’ inability to contain dribble penetration led to easy kick-outs for Saints’ shooters, who connected on 12 three-pointers.
Season Impact
The victory keeps the Wellington Saints firmly in playoff contention, improving their record to 12-5. The Bay Hawks, now 7-10, slip further down the NBL standings and face an uphill battle for a postseason berth. With the Saints’ depth and form clicking at the right time, they look like a legitimate championship threat in the 2026 campaign.
Bay Hawks vs Wellington Saints Live Score, Stats & Results
Match Overview
The Bay Hawks vs Wellington Saints fixture is part of the New Zealand NBL during the 2026 season. Follow live scores, New Zealand NBL fixtures, match statistics, New Zealand NBL standings and New Zealand NBL match results for Bay Hawks vs Wellington Saints on Tiger Scores 365.
Head-to-Head Record
Previous Bay Hawks vs Wellington Saints meetings provide useful insight into past results, points scored and overall head-to-head performance between the two teams.
Team Form
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New Zealand NBL Standings
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Match Statistics
Follow points, rebounds, assists, field goals and other key statistics for Bay Hawks vs Wellington Saints. Tiger Scores 365 provides live and post-match data throughout the fixture.

