Logik Franklin Bulls (7-10, 8th) v Steelformers Taranaki Airs (10-7, 3rd)
The Bulls have gone from the penthouse to the.. well another house, with seven straight losses but still find themselves in the finals picture—if they can right the ship. The Airs' top-tier offense has sputtered recently, but a win here would put them in the driver’s seat for a home elimination final. Can the Airs take one step closer to the postseason, or will the Bulls save their season with a massive home win?
When: Saturday 21st June, Rapid League 3:30pm, Sal's NBL 4:30pm
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 visited the Southland Sharks on Sunday night in Invercargill and let the game slip away late despite a standout performance from Flynn Cameron (27 pts, 9 rbs, 5 ast, 2 stl). Franklin kept things close throughout, but a late third-quarter surge from Southland created separation. Josiah Allick (22 pts, 14 rbs) and Sam Timmins (13 pts, 11 rbs) did the damage inside, and although the Bulls rallied in the final period, they couldn’t find enough stops or conversions in key moments, falling 100–93. They now sit just outside the playoff cut.
Earlier in the week, the Airs hosted the resurgent Giants but failed to capitalize on home court. Alex Robinson (25 pts, 6 ast, 5 stl) and Andrew Jones (21 pts, 6 rbs, 3 ast, 4 stl) led the charge for Nelson, who built a 12-point halftime lead and never looked back. Armon Fletcher (20 pts, 5 rbs) tried to spark a fightback, but the Giants’ defense held Taranaki to 38% shooting while forcing 15 turnovers en route to an 82–71 win.
What to Expect:
The Bulls remain one of the tougher defensive outfits in the league, with a massive frontline of David Okwera and Till Gloger and perimeter pressure from Tae Hardy and the Cameron brothers. Offense has been another story—Franklin has topped 90 points just twice during their seven-game skid. Flynn Cameron’s return to full strength gives them a needed spark, and his presence should open up space for others. Their three-point shooting has cooled, but more looks for Ethan Rusbatch could change that. If the Bulls can start fast and play downhill, they’ll give themselves a real shot to break the slide.
Taranaki’s offense has lacked rhythm since Owen Foxwell’s departure overseas. Carlin Davison has taken on more facilitation duties, shifting the Airs into more half-court sets. Craig Moller and Jack Andrew form a dynamic frontcourt duo, while Fletcher continues to flirt with a breakout but has only crossed 20 points once in his last five games. Deng Dut adds size and defense but remains inconsistent offensively. Turnovers will be a key—Davison had a season-high nine against Nelson, and the Bulls are a team that punishes mistakes.
Matchup to Watch: Flynn Cameron v Carlin Davison - Two explosive athletes capable of taking over a game on both ends. Davison is perhaps the league’s best above-the-rim talent, but Cameron’s defensive toughness and scoring threat could be the difference in a tight one.
Stats that Might Matter:
| Stat | Bulls | Airs |
| Scoring Offense | 85.53 (9th) | 93.47 (3rd) |
| Scoring Defense | 87.88 (4th) | 89.18 (5th) |
| Effective Field Goal % | 51% (8th) | 52% (5th) |
| Field Goal % Defense | 44% (3rd) | 44% (5th) |
| Free Throw Rate | 25% (10th) | 32% (1st) |
| Free Throw % | 73% (5th) | 73% (4th) |
| Three Point Rate | 38% (8th) | 37% (9th) |
| Three Point % | 31% (9th) | 31% (10th) |
| Turnover Rate | 16% (last) | 13% (6th) |
| Assist Rate | 56% (7th) | 57% (5th) |
| Offensive Rebound Rate | 28% (4th) | 31% (1st) |
| Defensive Rebound Rate | 72% (5th) | 76% (3rd) |
| Block Rate | 9% (4th) | 11% (2nd) |
| Steal Rate | 10% (7th) | 10% (3rd) |
all advanced stats courtesy of spatialjam.com
