Logik Franklin Bulls (7-8, 5th) v Mills Albert Wellington Saints (11-4, 2nd)
The Bulls are reeling after suffering their fifth consecutive loss, but they still control their finals destiny if they can rediscover their early-season form. Meanwhile, the Saints come to town knowing a win is essential to keep their dream of claiming the top postseason seed alive. Will the Bulls finally bounce back, or will the Saints take another step toward securing that coveted top spot?
When: Wednesday 4th June, Rapid League 6pm, Sal's NBL 7pm
Where: Franklin Pool and Leisure Centre, Franklin
Watch: Live in New Zealand on Sky Sport 3 | USA: ESPN3 | International: FIBA YouTube |
Last Time Out:
The Bulls hosted the second edition of this season’s 09’ Derby, welcoming last season’s star Luther Muhammad in Tuatara colours. Desperate to snap a losing streak and solidify their ladder position, Franklin jumped to a double-digit lead in the first, with a fast-paced Tobias Cameron (21 pts, 4 reb, 4 ast, 2 stl) powering the offense. But the physicality took its toll, and when Muhammad (29 pts, 6 reb, 3 ast) began to assert himself, Auckland started reeling in the hosts. A see-saw fourth quarter had the Bulls looking in control, up 4 with 1:27 left. But the Tuatara steadied and found Tom Vodanovich for a lead-stealing triple with 6 seconds left to seal the 84–83 win — pushing them back into the Finals hunt and handing Franklin a devastating fifth straight loss.
Wellington hosted the Otago Nuggets in Porirua. The teams traded buckets early, with the Nuggets edging ahead 15–14. But a 12–0 Saints run spanning the first and second quarters flipped the game. All five starters surged toward double figures, led by Nick Marshall (24 pts, 7 reb). The Nuggets played with passion, led by Jaylen Sebree (22 pts, 9 reb, 2 ast, 3 stl), and a Sebree-led 12–0 run later cut the Saints’ lead to 3. However, the home side clamped down defensively to grind out a semi-uncomfortable 91–79 win.
What to Expect:
The Bulls' record may be sliding, but they continue to bring effort, anchored by stout defense and a grind it out halfcourt offense. Tae Hardy is the engine, but when forced to carry the entire offensive load, things can stagnate. Perimeter threats Ethan Rusbatch and Tobias Cameron offer shooting touch, and the potential return of Flynn Cameron (questionable), his first availability in over a month, could lift the offensive ceiling. Jordan Hunt has added value with floor-stretching big-man shooting, while David Okwera is arguably the league's top defensive big but has yet to consistently influence the offensive end. Against Wellington, Franklin must control tempo and get to the free throw line regularly to defend their home floor.
The Saints blend elite transition offense with one of the league’s top defenses. Their perimeter depth applies pressure at both ends. Nick Marshall is the offensive catalyst, especially dangerous in transition. Izayah Le’afa hasn’t quite found rhythm this season, but his streaky shooting can flip a game quickly. Jordan Ngatai and Hyrum Harris embody versatility, strong enough to bully smaller players but skilled enough to exploit bigger ones. Defensively, Nick Muszynski is key, anchoring the paint and enabling perimeter defenders to gamble, knowing the big man can clean up mistakes with his shot-blocking. The Bulls are one of the few teams that can match the Saints’ physicality. However, Wellington must be cautious not to overextend, Franklin’s depth may outmatch theirs in a bruising battle.
Matchup to Watch: Tobias Cameron v Nick Marshall - Cameron's defense will be key, as he'll be tasked with slowing down the prowess of Marshall on the wing. He has the tools to be effective, but will need to temper his physicality to stay out of foul trouble. If Marshall gets loose in transition with regularity the Saints will be that much closer to a win.
Stats that Might Matter:
| Stat | Bulls | Saints |
| Scoring Offense | 85.60 (11th) | 94.20 (4th) |
| Scoring Defense | 86.73 (4th) | 83.13 (2nd) |
| Effective Field Goal % | 52% (7th) | 54% (4th) |
| Field Goal % Defense | 44% (3rd) | 41% (1st) |
| Free Throw Rate | 24% (last) | 29% (5th) |
| Free Throw % | 73% (5th) | 76% (2nd) |
| Three Point Rate | 37% (8th) | 39% (7th) |
| Three Point % | 32% (7th) | 34% (3rd) |
| Turnover Rate | 16% (last) | 13% (7th) |
| Assist Rate | 57% (6th) | 61% (3rd) |
| Offensive Rebound Rate | 28% (5th) | 24% (9th) |
| Defensive Rebound Rate | 74% (5th) | 78% (1st) |
| Block Rate | 9% (3rd) | 12% (1st) |
| Steal Rate | 10% (6th) | 9% (7th) |
all advanced stats courtesy of
