Thursday, 18 April 2019:

The Tasmanian Southern Huskies have opened a new era of basketball with a last-gasp win in their maiden game in the New Zealand NBL.

The Huskies beat the Manawatu Jets 100-99 on Thursday in Palmerston North, charging back from a 13-point deficit before clinging to victory when the home side missed a shot in the final play.

History was made at tip-off, with the Tasmanians officially becoming the first Australian sports team to take part in Kiwi-run sports league.

Having missed out on a place in the expanding Australian NBL, the franchise accepted a five-season deal to play in New Zealand under the coaching of former NBL stalwart Anthony Stewart.

The game's standout performer was ex-Melbourne United forward Craig Moller. He has announced a shift next season to play with the Kings in Sydney.

Moller scored 27 points and pulled down 17 rebounds, while the other key scorers were American pair Tre Nichols (30 points) and Jalen Billups (26).

After sitting out the opening round, the Huskies are getting an early taste of the taxing travel challenges they face.

They will play on Saturday in Wellington and on Monday in Hawke's Bay.

Their first home game is on Saturday week against Auckland in Hobart.

AAP