The Property Brokers Manawatū Jets (6-5, 5th) v Logik Franklin bulls (7-5, 4th)
This matchup brings together two teams looking to bounce back from disappointing losses, with both eyeing a firmer grip on their top-six standing as the season hits the business end. The Jets can overwhelm opponents offensively, while at their best, the Bulls impose their will with a lockdown defense and paint dominance. Can the Jets match the energy of a physical squad to leap into the top four, or will the Bulls rediscover their road warrior mentality and strengthen their ladder position?
When: Sunday 25th May, Rapid League 12pm, Sal's NBL 1pm
Where: Fly Palmy Arena, Palmerston North
Watch: Live in New Zealand on Sky Sport 2 | USA: ESPN3 | International: FIBA YouTube |
Last Time Out:Without Corey Webster (hip), the Jets faced an uphill battle in Wellington against a red-hot Saints squad riding a 6-of-7 win streak—and now boasting the return of Jordan Ngatai. The Saints jumped out early and never looked back, building a 20-point halftime lead behind a balanced offensive effort. Shea Ili flirted with a triple-double (15pts, 8rbs, 9ast) as the Jets struggled to find rhythm, eventually falling 108-61.
Franklin traveled to Taranaki aiming to rebound from a loss to the Giants three days earlier, but the Airs had other plans. Jack Andrew (14pts, 9rbs) opened the scoring with a bucket that gave the Airs a lead they never surrendered. Carlin Davison (36pts, 9rbs, 5ast) delivered a highlight-filled performance en route to a dominant win. Outside of a strong second half from Tobias Cameron (25pts), the Bulls couldn’t mount a challenge, going down 117-91.
What to Expect:
What to expect from the Jets hinges on the availability of Corey Webster (Questionable, hip – 24.2ppg, 6.8apg, 4.4rpg), the team’s top half-court weapon. When he plays, their offensive ceiling soars; when he’s out, the absence is felt acutely. At their best, the Jets can light up the scoreboard—pushing pace in transition and working defenses through the pick-and-roll. Dante Russo-Nance (19.7ppg, 5.6rpg, 4.6apg, 2.7stls) is capable of carrying the offensive load and is arguably the league’s most disruptive on-ball defender. Miles Gibson (22.6ppg, 6.5rpg) excels on the second side, particularly after halftime, while Kenny Goins and Isaac Miller-Jose provide interior stability. New import Quintin Rose has joined the squad but may need time to settle in. The Jets take excellent care of the ball but have the league’s lowest assist rate, and a porous defense that can be overlooked when the offense is firing.
The Bulls have dropped two straight in unconvincing fashion and need to rediscover their identity on defense to stop one of the league's most dangerous scoring teams. Without Flynn Cameron, the offensive burden shifts heavily to Tae Hardy (21.1ppg, 6.3apg), who has delivered consistently this season. However, their recent dip in three-point shooting has allowed defenses to clog the lane, limiting both penetration and offensive rebounding opportunities. Till Gloger (13.3ppg, 5.4rpg) has stepped up as a finisher, and David Okwera (9.8ppg, 8.3rpg, 2blks) anchors the defense. Tobias Cameron (11.4ppg, 3.9rpg) continues to lift on both ends, while Ethan Rusbatch (11.6ppg, 32% 3P) remains their most dangerous deep threat—though he could use more consistent touches. Jordan Hunt and Marcel Jones add frontcourt depth, but the wing rotation remains a work in progress.
Matchup to Watch: Dante Russo-Nance v Tae Hardy - The Bulls go as Hardy goes, if he can break free and penetrate the paint, Franklin usually flows well offensively. But if Russo-Nance can lock him down without extra help, the Bulls' half-court offense could stall, making a road win significantly harder to come by.
Stats that Might Matter:
| Stat | Jets | Bulls |
| Scoring Offense | 95.64 (3rd) | 86.00 (10th) |
| Scoring Defense | 96.27 (10th) | 86.50 (4th) |
| Effective Field Goal % | 51% (8th) | 52% (7th) |
| Field Goal % Defense | 48% (10th) | 44% (3rd) |
| Free Throw Rate | 24% (11th) | 25% (8th) |
| Free Throw % | 69% (8th) | 73% (5th) |
| Three Point Rate | 36% (10th) | 37% (8th) |
| Three Point % | 32% (5th) | 31% (9th) |
| Turnover Rate | 10% (best) | 17% (last) |
| Assist Rate | 53% (last) | 57% (6th) |
| Offensive Rebound Rate | 26% (6th) | 30% (3rd) |
| Defensive Rebound Rate | 72% (6th) | 73% (5th) |
| Block Rate | 8% (6th) | 10% (3rd) |
| Steal Rate | 12% (1st) | 10% (4th) |
all advanced stats courtesy of spatialjam.com
