KEN Tuffin's big night went for naught as Taranaki Mountainairs suffered a 109-93 defeat to the Auckland Huskies Tuesday in the 2020 Sal's NBL Showdown at The Trusts Arena.
Spoiled was the Fil-Kiwi forward's career performance as his side suffered their second straight defeat to go down to an even 2-2 slate.
Tuffin was sizzling from downtown, going 5-of-6 from deep to finish with 19 points, on top of three rebounds in 24 minutes of action.
However, Taranaki had a forgettable second quarter, scoring only 16 in the frame as it trailed by 22, 66-44 at halftime and had to play catch-up for the entire second half.
Nathan Wilson gave Auckland its biggest lead at 25, 89-64, early in the fourth as the Huskies were just too much for the Mountainairs, which could only get to as close as 10.
Izayah Mauriohooho Le Afa carried Auckland with 20 points, seven assists, five rebounds, and two steals, while Leon Henry registered a double-double of 18 points and 14 rebounds in the Huskies' first win in four outings.
Derone Raukawa also scored 19 points and dished out nine assists for Taranaki, while Marcel Jones collected 14 points, 13 boards, six assists, and two steals.
The Mountainairs return to action on Wednesday facing Otago Nuggets, who feature University of the East's Richie Rodger.
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