A rampant first half from the Mike Pero Nelson Giants has put an end to the Property Brokers Manawatu Jets playoffs hopes in 2022, with the home team running out 96-71 at the Trafalgar Centre.
The Jets were up against it from the start with key players John Bohannon and Robert Crawford two of four players out with illness, and it was compounded with an administrative error meaning Nathanial Salmon wasn't allowed to take the court despite travelling.
The Giants were slow to start before exploding into action after 3 minutes without scoring, with the young Jets backcourt struggling against the fast hands of MVP candidate Jarrod West.
By half-time the results was almost a fait accompli, but the Jets worked hard in the second half, led by the impressive Tukaha Cooper and Klein Salmon, and the rebounding efforts of Shane Temara.
Ultimately though it was the 36 points allowed of turnovers that sunk the inexperiences, undermanned Jets in Nelson. Manawatu fans will look back on this season with promise and no shortness of pride as coach Natu Taufele has instilled a culture that could lead to a successful future.
SCORE: Giants 96, Jets 71
Giants: Mourning 14pts 7reb 5ast | West 11pts 5reb 7stl | Dempster 14pts 7reb
Jets: Temara 11pts 14reb | 13pts 7reb 4ast 3blk
Full box score HERE.
Stuff MVP Votes
West (Giants) 9pts
Trathen (Giants) 5pts
Dempster (Giants) 4pts
Thompson (Giants) 3pts
Cooper (Jets) 4pts
Robertson (Jets) 3pts
Morrison (Jets) 1pt
K Salmon (Jets) 1pt
Upcoming Opponents
Giants - July 16 @ Manawatu Jets
Jets – July 16 vs. Nelson Giants
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Round 12 Sal's NBL Schedule
