Basketball: Pirates set sail in NBL debut

Craig Bradshaw amassed 16 points and 15 rebounds in a losing effort for Otago. Photo / Getty Images

The Auckland Pirates pulled away in the second half to successfully start their existence in the National Basketball League (NBL) with a season-opening 86-73 win over the Otago Nuggets in Auckland last night.

Pirates import Kevin Mickens kickstarted his NBL career with a game high 26 points, while Everard Bartlett had a double-double of 22 points and 12 rebounds.

The Nuggets suffered their 28th consecutive NBL loss but looked a different team from the last season, leading by 11 points after the first quarter and three at halftime and showing signs their unwanted streak might soon come to an end.

Tall Black Craig Bradshaw amassed 16 points and 15 rebounds for the visitors, while import Lance Allred also had a double-double of 20 points and 16 rebounds.

- NZPA