Basketball: Wellington Saints outlast Hawke's Bay Hawks to claim another NBL title

Wellington Saints have added another NBL title to their trophy cabinet with a 77-75 win over Hawke's Bay Hawks in Porirua on Friday.

The title is their seventh in the past 11 years and their 12th overall since the start of the competition in 1982.

Taane Samuel was the driving force behind the Saints' victory, netting 26 points - including 18 in the first -  half - with two critical buckets in the dying stages to hold off the stubborn Hawks.

Kerwin Roach Jr chipped in 16 points and seven rebounds, while captain Dion Prewster added 15 points and five boards to cap a stellar individual season.

US import Devondrick Walker was the best of the Hawks, pouring in 31 points to go with seven rebounds, with Hyrum Harris contributing a hefty double-double of 22 points and 11 rebounds.

The Saints signalled their intent by racing out to an early lead, holding as much as a 12-point advantage, until the Hawks reduced the halftime deficits to just six points.

Walker then sparked a Hawks comeback, as they rallied to take their first lead of the game late in the third quarter.

The teams went blow for blow through the final quarter, until Samuel stepped up with a three-point play, closely followed by a bomb from beyond the arc to seal the Saints' win.

Saints 77 Taane Samuel (26pts, 2ast), Kerwin Roach Jnr (16pts, 7rbs) Dion Prewster (15pts, 5rbs).

Hawks 75 Devondrick Walker (31pts, 7rbs), Hyrum Harris (22pts, 11rbs), Rhys Vague (8pts, 6rbs).