Eric Devendorf top scored with 38 points, while his back court partner Lindsay Tait had 21 points and 12 assists in arguably the best performance the Saints has put out this year. Saints started with a big line up of Casey Frank (15 points and 10 rebounds), Nick Horvath and Leon Henry (16 points) to attempt to counter the Heat’s physical line up.

The front court of Rick Rickert (23 points) and Beny Anthony (20 points) combined for 43, but could not keep up with the Saints in the second half losing by thirty points.

Kavossy Franklin had an efficient 17 while his back court partner Corey Webster had 15, but could not get production from their bench who scored only nine points.

The first quarter was tight both teams coming out on fire both shooting over 60% from the field, Saints Devendorf scoring 16 points in the first quarter not missing a shot while Rickert had 11.

In the second the Heat shot an amazing 9/11 from the field, but were countered by Tait and Maxey who both had 8 in the quarter. Maxey who threw down a furious dunk in the third quarter, having a strong game with 20 points and 9 rebounds.

In the second half the Heat lost it’s offensive momentum shooting under 50% for the first time in the game, Anthony the only offense for his side scoring 10 in the third. Saints put the lead up to 15 at the end of the third thanks to shooting 5/7 from the three point line.

The fourth would be a blow out Saints shooting 14/20 from the field scoring 37 points putting them to six wins and three losses.

The Heat now go to 8 wins and 2 losses, but can still remain at top if they beat the Christchurch Cougars tomorrow at Cowles stadium.

Thursday, April 29

At TSB Bank Arena, Wellington

Exodus Saints 126 (Eric Devendorf 38, Lindsay Tait 21, Erron Maxey 20) Harbour Heat 90 (Rick Rickert 23, Beny Anthony 20, Kavossy Franklin 17), Final

Referees - Andy Thackray, Yalla Edwards, Sean Cronin
1Q: 31-28
HT: 59-53 (28-25)
3Q: 89-74 (30-21)
FT: 126-90 (37-15)
Saints v Heat Boxscore (24 KB html)