Property Brokers Manawatū Jets (8-6, 4th) v Jadcup Auckland Tuatara (7-7, 5th)
The Jets have been stringing wins together despite some turbulence around the lineup, sitting fourth on the ladder as the business end of the season approaches with teams below them in hot pursuit. The Tuatara come to town finally looking like a team capable of reaching a fourth straight title game—but have they left their push too late? Can the Jets grind out a seventh win in nine games, or will the Tuatara continue their late-season climb?
When: Thursday 12th June, Rapid League 6pm, Sal's NBL 7pm
Where: Fly Palmy Arena, Palmerston North
Watch: Live in New Zealand on Sky Sport 3 | USA: ESPN3 | International: FIBA YouTube |
Last Time Out:
The Jets traveled to Nelson after returning to winning form, aiming to sweep the season series against the Giants, but found themselves up against a rejuvenated opponent. The Giants came out firing, storming to a 33-12 first-quarter lead with a balanced scoring attack that pounded the paint. The lead ballooned to 26 by halftime before a third-quarter fightback, led by Quinton Rose (36pts, 5rbs, 3ast, 2stls), gave the Jets some hope by cutting the deficit to 12. But it was too little, too late, as the Giants regained control to close out a 109-89 win.
The Tuatara hosted the Tauranga Whai, needing a win to climb back into the top six while facing one of the league’s top defenses. But it was Auckland’s defense that stole the spotlight, holding the Whai to 14 points or fewer in three of four quarters, allowing just 31% shooting and only six free throw attempts. Rob Loe (15pts, 12rbs, 5ast) got off to a hot start, and Luther Muhammad (21pts, 4rbs, 7ast, 2stls) looked increasingly comfortable as the Tuatara ground out a 78-59 victory.
What to Expect:
The Jets’ offense has been operating at a middling level since Corey Webster went down, but his possible return would provide a major boost—especially in the half court. Quinton Rose continues to thrive in transition with aggressive rim attacks, while his defensive pairing with Dontae Russo-Nance has been fearsome, harassing ball-handlers and passing lanes. Kenny Goins is also back in the lineup after injury, and his return may be just as important as Webster’s—particularly for what he offers on the defensive end against a deep Tuatara front line. He’ll join Isaac Miller-Jose up front, and both will need to protect the paint without fouling, while also respecting the perimeter shooting threat from the Tuatara bigs. Miles Gibson has been steady as a weak-side scorer (reaching double figures in 13 of 14 games), but without Webster stretching the floor, his driving lanes have shrunk, affecting his efficiency. As a group, the Jets will need to sustain their offensive effort while lifting their level defensively.
The Tuatara are beginning to look settled after a few games with a full roster—and more importantly, a few under Luther Muhammad’s guidance as floor general. He’s been easing into his scoring while facilitating early for Tom Vodanovich and Rob Loe in pick-and-pop action, or Buay Tuach in transition. Dan Fotu has added interior rebounding off the bench, though his role is still evolving. Zach Riley has emerged as a key spark plug off the pine, defending the full length of the court and bringing scoring off the bounce. Charles Pride has seen reduced minutes with the roster’s expansion but still impacts the game with defense and rebounding when given opportunities. The Tuatara will need to contain the Jets’ mid-range-heavy offense but have the personnel to do so, and they should look to press their advantages on the glass and at the free throw line.
Matchup to Watch: Kenny Goins v Rob Loe - Without Goins in recent games, the Jets’ defense has suffered. His return comes just in time to face one of the league’s stretchiest bigs in Rob Loe. If Goins can limit Loe’s impact in the post and extend his defense to the three-point line to disrupt the pick-and-pop, the Jets will be in a strong position. If not, the Green Army could be going home disappointed.
Stats that Might Matter:
| Stat | Jets | Tuatara |
| Scoring Offense | 94.57 (3rd) | 86.50 (9th) |
| Scoring Defense | 95.93 (9th) | 89.93 (5th) |
| Effective Field Goal % | 52% (6th) | 51% (9th) |
| Field Goal % Defense | 49% (10th) | 45% (5th) |
| Free Throw Rate | 25% (9th) | 31% (3rd) |
| Free Throw % | 69% (9th) | 69% (8th) |
| Three Point Rate | 36% (10th) | 42% (3rd) |
| Three Point % | 33% (5th) | 31% (10th) |
| Turnover Rate | 11% (2nd) | 14% (8th) |
| Assist Rate | 55% (10th) | 56% (7th) |
| Offensive Rebound Rate | 26% (7th) | 23% (10th) |
| Defensive Rebound Rate | 73% (6th) | 77% (2nd) |
| Block Rate | 8% (6th) | 6% (9th) |
| Steal Rate | 12% (1st) | 8% (10th) |
all advanced stats courtesy of spatialjam.com
