Logik Franklin Bulls (8-10, 7th) v Property Brokers Manawatū Jets (9-7, 3rd)
The Jets have surged into pole position for the 3rd seed and the home Eliminator Final that comes with it, but they’ll need to regroup following the devastating injury to their leading scorer. The Bulls have postseason ambitions of their own and must keep their winning ways going to stay in the hunt. Will the Jets take one step closer to a postseason return, or will the Bulls leap back into contention?
When: Thursday 26th June, Rapid League 6pm, Sal's NBL 7pm
Where: Franklin Pool and Leisure Centre, Franklin
Watch: Live in New Zealand on Sky Sport 2 | USA: ESPN3 | International: FIBA YouTube |
Last Time Out:
The Bulls hosted the Airs with their postseason hopes on the line, but it was Taranaki who struck first, holding the lead through the first three quarters. Carlin Davison (17pts, 9ast, 4rbs) and Armon Fletcher (19pts, 3rbs) found rhythm early, with a Flynn Cameron (20pts, 10rbs, 4ast) buzzer-beater trimming the deficit to just two entering the fourth. That’s when the Bulls' offense came alive—Tae Hardy (22pts, 4ast) and Till Gloger (20pts, 7rbs, 3ast) caught fire as Franklin closed the game on a 26–11 run to seal a 96–83 comeback win. The result jeopardized Taranaki’s hopes of a home Eliminator Final while keeping the Bulls' playoff chances alive.
The Jets welcomed the top-of-the-table Rams and jumped on them from the tip, building a 9-point lead off an Isaac Miller-Jose dunk. The Rams repeatedly cut the deficit to one, but the Jets always had an answer. Miles Gibson (19pts, 3rbs, 2stls) and Corey Webster (19pts, 7rbs, 8ast, 2stls, 1blk) led a starting five where every player scored in double digits. Walter Brown (20pts, 7rbs, 2ast) and Kyle Bowen (16pts, 22rbs, 10ast, 2stls, 1blk) kept the Rams in touch without Taylor Britt (concussion), but the Jets held firm to grab a 92–86 win. The joy of the victory was tempered by the loss of Webster to a season-ending injury.
What to Expect:
The Bulls are hoping that back-to-back 90+ point outings signal the end of their offensive struggles. In five of their previous seven games, they failed to crack 90—but recent signs suggest a better rhythm and improved familiarity. The Bulls rely on Flynn Cameron and Tae Hardy’s creation to generate offense, particularly off the drive. However, when lanes are cut off, they’ve struggled, ranking last in free throw rate, first in turnover rate, and just 8th in three-point percentage. Defensively, David Okwera and Till Gloger anchor the paint, and their rotation with Jordan Hunt gives Franklin versatility and rebounding muscle. To upset the Jets, they'll need to value possession and limit mistakes against one of the league's best turnover-creating defenses.
For the Jets, the loss of Corey Webster is a major blow, but they have the depth to stay in the mix. Dontae Russo-Nance, Miles Gibson, and Quinton Rose can shoulder the scoring load, with each capable of shooting from distance or attacking off the bounce. Tyson Thata-Paese may see more minutes off the bench, though it’s likely the starters absorb most of the slack. Expect Isaac Miller-Jose to return to the starting five, while Kenny Goins and new recruit Leon Henry bring bulk and veteran savvy to a frontcourt that must contend with a physical Bulls unit. The battle on the defensive glass will be pivotal. The Jets take great care of the ball, forming the foundation of their efficient offense, but are heavily reliant on the mid-range game, an area where the Bulls' length and defensive pressure can be disruptive.
Matchup to Watch: Flynn Cameron v Quinton Rose - Cameron’s return has sparked the Bulls offense—his ability to stretch defenses from outside and finish at the rim keeps defenders guessing. Rose offers a similar dual-threat and, with Webster sidelined, will be tasked with even more offensive responsibility.
Stats that Might Matter:
| Stat | Bulls | Jets |
| Scoring Offense | 86.11 (9th) | 93.31 (3rd) |
| Scoring Defense | 87.61 (4th) | 94.88 (9th) |
| Effective Field Goal % | 52% (6th) | 51% (8th) |
| Field Goal % Defense | 47% (10th) | 44% (4th) |
| Free Throw Rate | 24% (last) | 26% (10th) |
| Free Throw % | 70% (8th) | 73% (4th) |
| Three Point Rate | 38% (8th) | 36% (10th) |
| Three Point % | 31% (8th) | 33% (4th) |
| Turnover Rate | 16% (last) | 11% (2nd) |
| Assist Rate | 56% (8th) | 54% (10th) |
| Offensive Rebound Rate | 28% (4th) | 25% (7th) |
| Defensive Rebound Rate | 73% (5th) | 71% (last) |
| Block Rate | 9% (5th) | 9% (6th) |
| Steal Rate | 10% (8th) | 12% (1st) |
all advanced stats courtesy of spatialjam.com
