Basketball: Giants secure home semi

The Nelson Giants booked a home NBL semifinal with a 94-84 victory over Wellington Saints in the capital last night.

The win secured second place on the table and a likely match-up against the defending champion Bay Hawks next Saturday night.

The Hawks will play the Giants if they win their final regular season match against the lowly Canterbury Rams tonight.

Harbour Heat would then play Waikato in the second semi at the North Shore Events Centre next Sunday.

Having sacked coach Kevin Brooks during the week, the Saints went into the 500th match in the franchise's history with Kenny McFadden in charge.

American-born McFadden was a player for the Saints in their first game in 1984 but couldn't inspire them to a victory last night as Nelson held their nerve to edge a tight, entertaining contest.

The Auckland Stars finished their season with a 90-80 victory over Otago Nuggets at ASB Stadium.