Basketball: Forman's greater range leaves Pistons burnt

HEAT 92
PISTONS 84

Oscar Forman returned to fitness and form to lead Harbour Heat to a victory over the Waikato Pistons in Te Awamutu last night.

Forman was devastating from long range, notching 22 points including six three pointers. Three-pointer shooting consigned Waikato to a third consecutive defeat, with seven Heat players connecting from long range as they collectively shot a remarkable 17 of 34 from beyond the arc.

Hayden Allen finished with 19 points, while Mika Vukona (11) and Tim Behrendorff (15) also featured.

Wellington Saints claimed the regular season title with a 96-90 victory over Auckland Stars in the capital. The Saints improved to 9-0 at home and sealed first place on the ladder with a game remaining.

Nelson Giants improved to 10-6 with an 81-72 victory over Taranaki in Nelson to remain fourth. Michael Fitchett led the Giants with 21 points. The defeat dented Taranaki's playoff hopes after losses to Auckland and the Heat last weekend. Taranaki now need to win their final two games and hope the Stars lose their last three.

Fifth-placed Hawkes Bay lost to Canterbury Rams. The Hawks led by three at half-time but a blistering third quarter carried the Ramsto an 86-79 victory.