Wheeler Motor Company Canterbury Rams (14-5, 2nd) v Logik Franklin Bulls (9-10, 6th)
The Rams have dropped three straight and need to find their form before the Final 6 tips off but they are hosting a Bulls squad that has a simple mission, win and they're in. Can the Bulls right the ship in the final game of the regular season or will the Bulls pull off the remarkable in season turnaround to clinch the final postseason position with the win?
When: Sunday 6th July, Rapid League 5:30pm, Sal's NBL 6:30pm
Where: Cowles Stadium Christchurch
Watch: Live in New Zealand on Sky Sport 4 | USA: ESPN3 | International: FIBA YouTube | : FIBA YouTube |
Last Time Out:
The Rams visited the Saints in the first game of the round with both teams knowing that top seed in the postseason went to the victor. The Rams came out with vigor, taking control of the game in the 2nd quarter as Sean MacDonald (24pts, 3rbs, 11ast) and CJ Penha (1opts, 2rbs) found form to take a 12 point halftime lead. But the Saints would begin their rally in the 3rd, as Izayah Le'afa (32pts, 4rbs, 3ast, 5stls) found his scoring touch and their defense lifted as a collective to get back in the game down 3 heading into the 4th. He would continue his form in the 4th and when combined with the two way effort of Hyrum Harris (15pts, 12rbs, 3ast) and Nick Marshall (15pts, 10rbs, 5ast) the Saints had enough to claim the game, 90-84, and with it top seed in the Final 6.
The Bulls hosted the Jets knowing a win was crucial to keep their playoff hopes alive — and they came out playing like it. Fueled by urgency, the Bulls brought an intensity the visitors couldn’t match, especially in the absence of Corey Webster. All five Bulls starters scored in double figures, powering them to a commanding 106–69 victory. While Dontae Russo-Nance (19pts, 6rbs, 4ast) fought hard for the Jets and was the only starter to shoot over 40%, the Bulls’ balanced attack and defensive pressure proved too much. The big win was unfortunately overshadowed by what would be a season ending injury to Tae Hardy, but it didn’t stop the Bulls from keeping their postseason hopes alive.
What to Expect:
The Bulls come into this one battling to keep their finals hopes alive but will have to do it without Tae Hardy, who’s out for the season. Look for Flynn Cameron and Tobias Cameron to step up on the perimeter, bringing scoring, playmaking, and defensive energy. Both will need to be aggressive to keep the scoreboard ticking over and relieve pressure from the frontcourt. Inside, David Okwera and Till Gloger will be key, with Okwera’s length and rim protection complementing Gloger’s scoring touch around the basket. Expect the Bulls to lean on physical defense, balanced scoring, and a strong rebounding effort to stay competitive. At their best, they’re tough, gritty, and able to wear teams down over four quarters.
The Rams have already locked in a top-two finish but come in a little banged up, with CJ Penha ruled out for the rest of the season due to a calf injury and Taylor Britt listed as questionable. Even so, they have plenty of firepower left. Sean MacDonald and Walter Brown can both stretch the floor and attack off the dribble, while the trio of Max Darling, Tohi Smith-Milner, and Kyle Bowen gives the Rams a versatile and physical frontcourt. Expect the Rams to play their trademark disciplined defense, force turnovers, and run when the opportunity is there, but also be comfortable working through the post and crashing the boards. Even with key absences, the Rams’ depth and balance make them tough to break down, and they’ll look to keep momentum rolling heading into the finals.
Matchup to Watch: Sean MacDonald v Flynn Cameron -
Both guards play big roles for their teams, especially with key scorers out. Flynn Cameron will be asked to do even more offensively and defensively for the Bulls in Tae Hardy’s absence, using his size and versatility to create plays and guard multiple positions. On the other side, Sean MacDonald has become an important perimeter threat for the Rams, able to stretch the defense with his shooting and make smart reads in the half-court. The battle between Cameron’s all-around game and MacDonald’s sharp shooting and off-ball movement could go a long way in deciding which team controls the tempo and finds rhythm offensively.
Stats that Might Matter:
| Stat | Rams | Bulls |
| Scoring Offense | 98.32 (1st) | 87.16 (9th) |
| Scoring Defense | 84.84 (3rd) | 86.63 (4th) |
| Effective Field Goal % | 54% (2nd) | 52% (6th) |
| Field Goal % Defense | 45% (4th) | 44% (3rd) |
| Free Throw Rate | 25% (last) | 25% (10th) |
| Free Throw % | 71% (6th) | 73% (4th) |
| Three Point Rate | 42% (4th) | 38% (8th) |
| Three Point % | 34% (3rd) | 31% (9th) |
| Turnover Rate | 10% (1st) | 16% (last) |
| Assist Rate | 60% (3rd) | 57% (8th) |
| Offensive Rebound Rate | 31% (1st) | 29% (4th) |
| Defensive Rebound Rate | 77% (2nd) | 74% (5th) |
| Block Rate | 9% (4th) | 9% (5th) |
| Steal Rate | 10% (2nd) | 10% (7th) |
all advanced stats courtesy of spatialjam.com
