Jadcup Auckland Tuatara (6-7, 7th) v The Northern Group Tauranga Whai (7-7, 5th)
The Tuatara are coming off what could be a season saving win but they need to keep the momentum going as a revitalised Whai squad comes to the big smoke. Will the Tuatara be able to navigate the tough defense of the visitors or will the Whai to find ways to neutralise their opponents strength and keep their winning streak going.
When: Sunday 8th June, Rapid League 2pm, Sal's NBL 3pm
Where: Eventfinda Stadium, Auckland
Watch: Live in New Zealand on Sky Sport 4 | USA: ESPN3 | International: FIBA YouTube |
Last Time Out:
The Tuatara arrived in Franklin for the second instalment of the 09’ Darby, with former Bulls standout Luther Muhammad now donning Auckland colours. Determined to halt their own skid and reassert themselves in the Finals race, the Tuatara weathered an early storm as the Bulls jumped out to a double-digit lead behind a high-energy performance from Tobias Cameron (21 pts, 4 reb, 4 ast, 2 stl). But Auckland didn’t panic. Muhammad (29 pts, 6 reb, 3 ast) gradually took control, helping the Tuatara claw their way back into the contest. In a tense final quarter, the Bulls looked poised to hold on, up 4 with 1:27 to play, but Auckland stayed composed, and Tom Vodanovich buried the go-ahead triple with 6 seconds left to steal an 84–83 win. The win lifting the Tuatara back into finals contention as they come down the stretch.
The Whai returned home and wasted no time setting the tone against the visiting Giants, with Anzac Rissetto (24pts, 7rbs) and Mojave King (24pts, 5rbs, 8ast) combining to spark a fast start. Tauranga controlled the tempo early and never looked back, weathering a strong showing from Jeremy Combs (27pts, 7rbs) as the Giants struggled to find rhythm from deep (4–22 3PFG). The Whai maintained their grip on the game throughout, closing out a convincing 102–84 win.
What to Expect:
The Tuatara unveiled their full roster for the first time last game and will feel they’ve finally found balance. Expect them to initiate through Luther Muhammad in the on-ball, with Rob Loe and Tom Vodanovich operating off the pop or roll. The addition of Dan Fotu off the bench gives them a dynamic post scorer who should find room to operate. Buay Tuach has provided explosive moments, but the key will be finding harmony across their wealth of talent, especially against a rugged Whai defence. Transition points will be hard to come by, so offensive efficiency is critical. Auckland could have an edge on the offensive glass, but it’ll require a full commitment to crashing while still covering back in transition—an area that’s lacked consistency this season.
Anzac Rissetto and Mojave King have stepped confidently into scoring leadership roles, lifting Tauranga’s interior presence and physicality. Sean Bairstow is listed as questionable (back injury) after missing the first game of the week, but if he plays, his presence will boost the Whai on the glass and defensively thanks to his rare mix of size and skill. Carter Hopoi will need to brace for a physical test from Auckland’s veteran bigs, but he’s handled similar matchups well all season. Kruz Perrott-Hunt will look to bounce back from just his second single-digit outing of the season, while Jayden Bezzant’s return to the bench bolsters the second unit’s scoring punch. Shooting has been inconsistent, but if they find rhythm from outside and hold their own on the boards, they’ll give themselves every chance.
Matchup to Watch: Rob Loe v Anzac Risetto - Two bigs who dominate in very different ways. Rissetto uses brute strength to establish deep position and clean up the offensive glass, while Loe relies on length, touch, and high IQ to stretch defences and create through his passing. Whoever wins this battle in the trenches could tip the game in their team’s favour.
Stats that Might Matter:
| Stat | Tuatara | Whai |
| Scoring Offense | 87.15 (9th) | 82.43 (last) |
| Scoring Defense | 92.31 (6th) | 82.36 (1st) |
| Effective Field Goal % | 52% (8th) | 47% (last) |
| Field Goal % Defense | 46% (7th) | 45% (4th) |
| Free Throw Rate | 31% (3rd) | 27% (7th) |
| Free Throw % | 69% (9th) | 71% (6th) |
| Three Point Rate | 43% (3rd) | 42% (4th) |
| Three Point % | 31% (8th) | 30% (last) |
| Turnover Rate | 14% (8th) | 12% (10th) |
| Assist Rate | 56% (8th) | 53% (10th) |
| Offensive Rebound Rate | 23% (10th) | 28% (4th) |
| Defensive Rebound Rate | 77% (2nd) | 70% (last) |
| Block Rate | 6% (10th) | 7% (8th) |
| Steal Rate | 7% (11th) | 11% (2nd) |
all advanced stats courtesy of spatialjam.com
