The EnviroNZ Franklin Bulls have defeated the Property Brokers Manawatu Jets 99-83 in a crucial game in Ōtaki on Thursday evening.
The Bulls showed no signs of fatigue through the first half, breezing to a 51-36 lead after 20 minutes of action. Corey Webster found his shot after struggling last night in New Plymouth, hitting 6-of-11 attempts for 15 points. He was joined by Giddy Potts with 12 to pace the Bulls, but it was their work on the glass and defence that caused the most problems for the Jets.
The Jets turned the ball over 11 times in the first half and were doubled up on the offensive glass. They lacked a sense of urgency and didn't show a whole lot of assertiveness on offence. You can't afford to be lackadaisical against a team like the Bulls that has multiple offensive weapons and they needed to flip the switch to make some in roads in the second half. Rob Crawford was doing what he can to keep the Jets close with 14 points on 4-of-8 shooting.
The third quarter was a high scoring affair and it was the Jets who managed to edge the Bulls 30-27. Zane Najdawi was having his way in the paint with 22 points on 8-of-12 shooting and Shane Temara was doing his thing with 15 points off the bench on five 3-pointers.
Webster scored nine points in the quarter for the Bulls but it was again their work on the offensive glass (14 offensive rebounds) that was giving them the advantage on the scoreboard.
Franklin came to play in this one and they needed to after falling to the Airs last night. They further increased their lead in the fourth quarter to not only help them to a win, but to give them the tiebreaker over the Jets in the standings. Tall Blacks guard Corey Webster would help shut the door on the Jets, finishing with a game-high 34 points on 12-of-23 shooting.
Turnovers were a major issue for the Jets tonight with 20 giveaways. Between Zane Najdawi (28), Shane Temara (19) and Rob Crawford (23), points weren't much of an issue but it was the turnovers that were holding them back from a real charge at the Bulls.
The Bulls now find themselves back over .500 with the victory and in a better spot for a Final 6 run. For the Jets, the loss puts them at 5-8 and needing to string a few wins together to keep their hopes alive. It only gets tougher for them with a trip to Nelson up next.
SCORE: Jets 83, Bulls 99
Airs: Najdawi 28 PTS, 7 REB, 3 BLK | Crawford 23 PTS | Temara 19 PTS, 5 3PM
Bulls: Webster 34 PTS, 6 AST | Potts 19 PTS | Rissetto 14 PTS, 12 REB | Brooke 17 PTS
Full box score HERE.
Stuff MVP Votes
Corey Webster (Bulls) - 10 votes
Leon Henry (Bulls) - 4 votes
Zane Najdawi (Jets) - 4 votes
Denhym Brooke (Bulls) - 4 votes
Anzac Rissetto (Bulls) - 3 votes
Giddy Potts (Bulls) - 3 votes
Rob Crawford (Jets) - 2 votes
Upcoming Opponents
Jets - July 13 @ Nelson Giants
Bulls – July 16 vs. Hawke's Bay Hawks
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Round 11 Sal's NBL Schedule
