Mayen stars as Saints move up ladder

New Adelaide 36ers signing Lat Mayen has played a key role in Wellington Saints’ big win in the New Zealand National Basketball League (NZNBL) on Sunday.

Mayen, who signed a one-year deal for NBL25 last week, scored 19 points as the Saints used a 29-15 fourth quarter avalanche to defeat Taranaki Airs 103-86.

The 206cm forward battled foul concerns throughout, but the Saints took control of the contest after the main break.

Mayen is averaging 16.3 points per game, to go along with 3.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists as the Saints have started their 2024 NZNBL campaign with a 4-1 record to sit in second position.

“The competition over here is great, there is a lot of NBL guys playing and it’s tough week in, week out,” Mayen said.

Wellington will be back in action on ANZAC Day when the Saints host Hawkes Bay Hawks, who have NBL24 development player Keanu Rasmussen in their roster.

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Rasmussen has been one of the key players for the Hawks this season, averaging 26.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game. The 188cm guard scored 13 points in the Hawks’ 104-84 loss to Canterbury Rams last round.

Hawkes Bay sit sixth on the standings with a 2-2 record heading into Thursday’s match against Mayen and the Saints.