Loe leads Tuatara into NZNBL Grand Final, wins DPOY

Returning Melbourne United big-man Rob Loe has led the Auckland Tuatara into their third consecutive NZNBL Grand Final appearance after a come-from-behind victory against the Franklin Bulls last night.

Trailing 52-62 heading into the fourth quarter, Loe helped lead the charge back into the game, ultimately giving the home side the lead with a top of the arc three with three minutes remaining.

Ultimately coming away with a 75-72 victory, Loe was pivotal for the Tuatara, finishing with 20 points, six assists, five rebounds and a pair of steals.

Auckland will now face the Canterbury Rams in the Grand Final for the second straight season.

Wednesday evening also saw the towering center take home a number of awards, including the NZNBL Defensive Player of the Year, for the second consecutive season.

Finishing the season with averages of 20.1 points, 10.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.1 blocks per game, while shooting the ball at over 41% from three, Loe was also named in the league’s All-Star Five, and claimed the Stan Hill Trophy as the league’s best New Zealand born Forward/Center.

The Grand Final showcase will take place on Sunday afternoon from 12:30pm live and free on the FIBA YouTube channel.