Game Preview: Auckland Tuatara v Manawatū Jets

Photo Credit: Chris Ryan

Jadcup Auckland Tuatara (8-10, 9th) v Property Broker Manawatū Jets (9-8, 2nd)

The Tuatara return home with their season on the line but without their most impactful player, facing a Jets team that has also lost a key piece who might be even more valuable. Can Auckland protect the Sanctuary and snap a three-game slide? Or will the Jets secure their third road win of the season to lock in a finals spot?

When: Saturday 28th June, Rapid League 6:30pm, Sal’s NBL 7:30pm

Where: Eventfinda Stadium, Auckland
Watch: Live in New Zealand on Sky Sport 4 | USA: ESPN3 | International: FIBA YouTube |

Box score here

Purchase Tickets Here

Last Time Out:

The Tuatara traveled to Nelson in their first game of the round, but lost Rob Loe just a minute into the game. The Giants took the advantage and ran with it as Jeremy combs (29pts, 5rbs, 4ast) and Callum McRae (11pts, 12rbs) took advantage down low as the Tuatara defense searched for answers. Luther Muhammad (19pts, 9ast, 4rbs) and Tom Vodanovich (23pts, 9rbs) battled hard, but it was for naught as they slumped to their third straight defeat and outside the top six.

The Jets traveled to Franklin with a chance to lock down their finals position with a win but a desperate Bulls team need the win more and came out with a level of desperation that the visitors never came close to matching. The Jets never finding efficiency in their first game since Corey Webster went down for the season, as only Dontae Russo-Nance (19pts, 6rbs, 4ast) the only starter to shoot over 40%on the day. All five Bulls starters hitting double figures as they claimed the 106-69 victory, marred by what looked to be a serious injury to Tae Hardy.

What to Expect:

The Tuatara will be without Rob Loe, which hasn’t boded well for their offense this season. Without Loe as the hub, they’ll lean more heavily on Luther Muhammad and his pick-and-roll playmaking, but need him to find a higher level of efficiency. Dan Fotu and Tom Vodanovich remain a strong frontcourt pairing, keeping Auckland competitive on the glass, but they’ll miss Loe’s rim protection. The upside could be more pace in transition, which might help spark the offense. Charles Pride will look to be more aggressive, while Buay Tuach aims to rediscover his early-season form from the wing. Off the bench, Josh Leger is likely to see big minutes, especially with Nick Barrow unavailable. Zach Riley moves back to the bench, where he and Dylan Wilkie will look to bring energy and impact. Intensity will be critical, but who steps into the void left by Loe remains to be seen.

For the Jets, the absence of Webster means they’ll miss his leadership and playmaking, but they still have scoring threats in Russo-Nance, Quinton Rose, and Miles Gibson. Someone, however, will need to step up as a creator to generate offense for others. Up front, Kenny Goins and Isaac Miller-Jose anchor the defense, but their offensive impact depends on being fed the ball. New recruit Leon Henry is likely the first option off the bench, while Tyson That-Paese and Tinashe Matambanadzo may also see minutes to relieve the perimeter starters. The Jets excel in the possession game—they lead the league in steals while taking good care of the ball, but must improve on the glass to counter a hungry Auckland side. While the offense can put up points, it needs to be sharp enough to cover for a defense that can leak, especially in transition.

Matchup to Watch: Dan Fotu v Kenny Goins- Two versatile bigs whose work often flies under the radar. Fotu gets his first real chance at volume this season as he steps into the starting lineup and could become the focal point offensively. Goins delivers solid performances every game, but tonight his rebounding and ability to avoid foul trouble could be decisive for the Jets’ chances. Can Fotu carry the offense? Can Goins control the glass while avoiding foul trouble?

Stats that Might Matter:

Stat | Tuatara | Jets
Scoring Offense | 87.28 (8th) | 91.88 (4th)
Scoring Defense | 90.72 (7th) | 95.53 (10th)
Effective Field Goal % | 51% (9th) | 51% (7th)
Field Goal % Defense | 45% (7th) | 47% (10th)
Free Throw Rate | 29% (5th) | 26% (9th)
Free Throw % | 70% (7th) | 69% (8th)
Three Point Rate | 42% (4th) | 56% (10th)
Three Point % | 32% (6th) | 31% (7th)
Turnover Rate | 13% (8th) | 11% (2nd)
Assist Rate | 57% (5th) | 54% (9th)
Offensive Rebound Rate | 24% (10th) | 24% (9th)
Defensive Rebound Rate | 76% (4th) | 70% (last)
Block Rate | 6% (9th) | 9% (6th)
Steal Rate | 8% (9th) | 12% (1st)

all advanced stats courtesy of spatialja