Logik Franklin Bulls (7-7, 6th) v Jadcup Auckland Tuatara (5-7, 9th)
The Bulls return to their home court looking to snap a four-game slide, while a retooled Tuatara lineup aims to rebound from a rough stretch of four losses in their last five. The Battle of the 09 is always a fierce encounter, and this edition may go a long way in deciding which of these teams books a spot in the postseason.
When: Sunday 1st June, Rapid League 2pm, Sal's NBL 3pm
Where: Franklin Pool and Leisure Centre, Franklin
Watch: Live in New Zealand on Sky Sport 3 | USA: ESPN3 | International: FIBA YouTube |
Last Time Out:
Franklin travelled to Hamilton looking to halt a three-game skid, but the Whai weren’t obliging. All five Whai starters scored in double digits as they built a double-digit lead in the third. The Bulls rallied late, with Ethan Rusbatch’s 18 points helping cut the margin to four with two minutes to go. David Okwera made it a one-point game with a triple in the final 30 seconds, but Anzac Rissetto responded with a clutch bucket and free throw to seal the Whai’s 85-82 win.
Auckland welcomed Luther Muhammad to the lineup as they hosted the Saints, hoping his presence would help restore their rhythm. Nick Marshall torched the Tuatara early with 13 first-quarter points, but Auckland responded well. Buay Tuach tallied nine in the second frame, helping the Tuatara to a 47-42 halftime lead. The Saints tightened the screws defensively after the break, using a 7-0 run in the third to swing momentum. Despite a clutch triple from Muhammad that cut the lead to one with 2:40 left, Auckland couldn’t regain control and fell 90-83. All five starters scored in double digits, but sub-50% shooting from the quintet proved costly.
What to Expect:
The Bulls are back on home turf with plenty to fix. Their grip on sixth place is loosening, and defensive slippage is a big reason why. Each of their last five opponents has scored more than 87 points, well above Franklin’s season average for points conceded. Offensively, turnovers and stagnant play have limited their output. Tae Hardy, once a force getting downhill, has faced tighter coverage as defenses pack the paint, reducing easy dump-offs for Okwera and Gloger. A reliable three-point threat would help, but with only Marcel Jones shooting over 40% from deep, defenders are daring them to beat them from outside. Ball security and execution, especially late in games, must improve to find the winners circle again.
For the Tuatara, a full-strength roster may finally be in the cards, with Dan Fotu expected to debut. His inclusion adds depth and versatility to an already stacked frontcourt, but balancing minutes between him, Rob Loe, and Tom Vodanovich will be key. The trio must assert themselves on the glass, especially on the offensive boards, and control the paint. Muhammad is still adjusting to his role but showed flashes of his pick-and-roll prowess and midrange touch. Don’t be surprised if he finds a little extra motivation against his former club. Auckland desperately needs a statement performance — a loss would leave them three spots outside the finals with just seven games left, making a fourth straight championship appearance a tall order.
Matchup to Watch: Tae Hardy v Luther Muhammad - The current star of the Bulls meets last season’s MVP in a pivotal clash. Hardy will look to pressure the rim and disrupt Auckland’s ball handlers, but he must take better care of the ball. Muhammad, meanwhile, will look to impose himself more fully in just his second game with the Tuatara. His on-ball chemistry with Loe and Vodanovich could be a difference-maker as he hunts his first win of the season.
Stats that Might Matter:
| Stat | Bulls | Tuatara |
| Scoring Offense | 85.79 (9th) | 87.42 (8th) |
| Scoring Defense | 86.93 (4th) | 93.08 (8th) |
| Effective Field Goal % | 52% (6th) | 52% (8th) |
| Field Goal % Defense | 44% (3rd) | 46% (8th) |
| Free Throw Rate | 25% (8th) | 31% (3rd) |
| Free Throw % | 73% (5th) | 69% (8th) |
| Three Point Rate | 37% (8th) | 44% (3rd) |
| Three Point % | 31% (10th) | 31% (9th) |
| Turnover Rate | 17% (last) | 14% (8th) |
| Assist Rate | 57% (6th) | 56% (7th) |
| Offensive Rebound Rate | 29% (3rd) | 23% (10th) |
| Defensive Rebound Rate | 74% (4th) | 77% (2nd) |
| Block Rate | 10% (3rd) | 6% (9th) |
| Steal Rate | 10% (4th) | 8% (last) |
all advanced stats courtesy of spatialjam.com
