Logik Franklin Bulls (8-3, 3rd) NBS Nelson Giants (2-9, 11th)
The Bulls have added talent at the trade deadline to bolster their chances to chase a top two spot and the elimination game bye that comes with it but a resurgent Giants squad comes to the Stockyard with momentum on their side. Can the Bulls keep the defensive dominance going or will the Giants offense find a way to snatch their second road win of the weekend?
When: Saturday 18th May, Rapid League 2pm, Sal's NBL 3pm
Where: Franklin Pool and Leisure Centre, Franklin
Watch: Live in New Zealand on Sky Sport 6 | USA: ESPN3 | International: FIBA YouTube
Box score here
Last Time Out:
The Bulls welcomed the Nuggets prior to the international break, but struggled to take care of the ball, coughing up 20 turnovers. That led to 28 points for the Nugs, led by Jose Perez (20pts, 6rbs) who kept the team with in touch distance. But staying in touch was all Otago could muster, cutting the lead under 5 points just once in the second half, as Tae Hardy (35pts, 7rbs, 10ast) showed his class as he chased a triple double while getting support from Till Gloger (21pts, 5rb) and Marcel Jones (17pts, 9rb, 3ast). The Bulls stretching the lead to 15 before eventually securing a comfortable 95-87 win.
The Giants played their first game with a full contingent of imports since revamping their roster and the depth of talent was needed as they traveled to Hawks Bay looking for their second win. But the Hawks were down a big and that enabled Jeremy Combs to carve out space on the block, taking advantage of smaller defenders to the tune of 36pts, 11rbs, and 5ast. Dan Grida (28pts, 10rbs, 5ast) and Jackson Ball (22pts, 4ast) would offer plenty of resistance, but the with Alex Robinson (16pts, 7rbs, 10ast) chasing a triple double and Andrew Jones (18pts) slotting in nicely, the Giants would dominate the second half to take a 98-82 win.
What to Expect:
The Bulls added Jordan Hunt to the roster over the trade window, giving Franklin a bigger and more versatile front line that they hope will add to an already strong defense while lifting an offense that has languished at the bottom of the league rankings. While the frontcourt now boasts tremendous depth with Hunt joining Till Gloger(12.6ppg, 5.5rpg), David Okwera (10.7ppg, 8.7rpg), Marcel Jones (9.4ppg, 6.1rpg) and KC Nwafor enabling the bigs to do the heavy lifting for the lineup. The backcourt will need to rotate less liberally with Flynn Cameron still out with injury, but Tae Hardy (22.5ppg, 6.9apg), Tobias Cameron (10ppg, 4.4rpg) and Ethan Rusbatch (14.0ppg, 38% 3pfg) are more than capable to carry the perimeter load, but will require spot duty from the bench to stay fresh. They have been careless with the ball as a squad, but have been able to make up for their mistakes with tenacious defense and a top level attack on the glass.
The Giants season looks to have completely turned around with the arrival of Jeremey Combs (28.3ppg, 8.8rpg, 4.8apg), now the leading scorer in the comp, who has given them a mix of low post scoring and perimeter touch that has balanced the offense. While Cal McRae (12.0ppg, 7.8rpg) takes the bulk of the attention Combs has been able to dominate 1 on 1 matchups on the block. The arrival of the bigs has given Don Robinson (16.2ppg, 6.7apg, 5.7rpg) more space to work with, allowing his full facilitation and penetrating abilities to flourish. Andrew Jones (18ppg) is still getting settled, but looks to be an improved third option that has added some experience to a young core. With the added talent Alex McNaught joins Same Dempster off the bench, giving that mostly young bench mob a bit of needed experience. They look a new team after winning 2 of their last 3 (with the loss coming in overtime) and have plenty of talent to keep their winning ways going.
Matchup to Watch: Till Gloger v Jeremy Combs - Gloger has been stout on defense all season long but Combs patient skillset will be a big test. If the big German is able to slow down his counterpart without calling for help the Bulls defense will be able to feast in the passing lanes. But if Combs' activity draws extra attention driving lanes and offensive rebound
Stats that Might Matter:
| Stat | Bulls | Giants |
| Scoring Offense | 88.00 (9th) | 84.82 (10th) |
| Scoring Defense | 83.91 (3rd) | 94.00 (10th) |
| Effective Field Goal % | 52% (7th) | 50% (10th) |
| Field Goal % Defense | 42% (2nd) | 48% (10th) |
| Free Throw Rate | 25% (9th) | 28% (6th) |
| Free Throw % | 73% (4th) | 66% (10th) |
| Three Point Rate | 37% (9th) | 36% (10th) |
| Three Point % | 34% (5th) | 32% (9th) |
| Turnover Rate | 16% (11th) | 13% (6th) |
| Assist Rate | 57% (6th) | 61% (3rd) |
| Offensive Rebound Rate | 30% (3rd) | 28% (6th) |
| Defensive Rebound Rate | 75% (4th) | 72% (10th) |
| Block Rate | 10% (3rd) | 6% (8th) |
| Steal Rate | 10% (5th) | 8% (10th) |
all advanced stats courtesy of spatialjam.com
