Posted on Friday, June 12th, 2026
Game Preview: Airs vs Whai
The Taranaki Airs return to TSB Stadium on Friday night looking to snap a tough losing stretch and create some distance from the bottom rung of the ladder, while The Northern Group Tauranga Whai arrive in New Plymouth with back-to-back wins and a chance to keep building momentum as they chase the top six
The Airs showed in their last outing that they still have the pieces to trouble good teams, but a large halftime lead was chased down as the squad failed to keep up the pace in the second half. If Taranaki is going to turn strong patches into wins, the challenge is to sustain play at a higher level for 40 minutes.
For Tauranga, the picture is improving. The Whai snapped a 6 game losing streak then backed up the good form with a second straight victory to sit just outside the top six. The addition of Jordan Ngatai has brought needed positional stability to the squad but with an injury to a key ball handler they will need to dig a little deeper to keep the winning streak going.
When: Friday 12 June, Rapid League 6.30pm, Sal’s NBL 7.30pm
Where: TSB Stadium, New Plymouth
Watch: Sky Sport 3 and Sky Sport NZ TikTok live stream in New Zealand, ESPN+ in the United States and FIBA YouTube everywhere else
Commentary: Taylah Johnson and Kayla Manuirirangi
Last Time Out
The Airs were beaten 90-69 by the Jadcup Auckland Tuatara, but there was more to this game than what the final score would indicate.
On paper, this looked like it could be one-sided. The Tuatara were in dominant form at the top of the ladder, while the Airs had lost five straight and were searching for a way back to the level of their early-season play. Instead, Taranaki was the squad that came out with real energy, with Moors leading the way inside, Cook Jr contolling stretches of the game, and Stroud giving the the Airs scoring, rebounding and defensive activity.
Taranaki led by 6 after the first quarter and held Auckland to just 33 first-half points to take a 48-33 advantage into halftime. But the Tuatara showed why they are one of the league’s benchmark teams. A brutal third quarter turned the game, with Auckland outscoring the Airs 27-6 to take control. Taranaki could not recover, and the visitors ran away with the result to keep themselves top of the table and the Airs down in the basement.
Taranaki Airs 69: James Moors (20p, 11r, 2a), Aaron Cook Jr (18p, 2r, 3a), Brandon Stroud (12p, 8r, 6a, 5s)
Jadcup Auckland Tuatara 90: Josh Dilling (23p, 5r, 5a), Isaac Davidson (18p, 4r, 4a), Chris Johnson (11p, 16r)
The Whai secured a hard-fought 69-58 win over the NBS Nelson Giants.
Tauranga had to overcome a slow start, with Nelson taking a 16-13 lead at quarter time behind early shot-making and defensive pressure. But the Whai settled in the second quarter, found better rhythm on both ends and gradually took control of the contest as the game ticked along.
The Giants kept fighting and stayed within reach, but Tauranga’s defence and timely scoring down the stretch proved decisive. Te Rangi again played a key role, while Ngatai helped steady the group and Bezzant gave the Whai important production in the backcourt.
The Northern Group Tauranga Whai 69: Reuben Te Rangi (23p, 11r, 6a), Jordan Ngatai (10p, 6r, 2a), Jayden Bezzant (9p, 3r, 1a)
NBS Nelson Giants 58: Liam Judd (12p, 2r, 2a), Kruz Perrott-Hunt (11p, 11r, 4a), Shane Gatling (9p, 5r, 2a)
In the First Matchup
The first meeting between these teams belonged to the home team, with the Whai claiming an 87-65 win over the Airs.
Even without Te Rangi, the Whai found enough scoring and spacing to control the game. Taine Murray carried a major offensive load, while Xanda Marsters poured in 24 points on impressive shooting splits. Nic Tata also benefited from the space created by Tauranga’s perimeter pressure, capitalising on open looks and finishing efficiently.
For Taranaki, offence was hard to find. Samuel was the main bright spot, while Cook Jr continued to create for others, but the Airs could not generate enough consistent scoring to stay with the Whai. Tauranga’s balance and shot-making eventually proving too much in this early season contest.
The Northern Group Tauranga Whai 87: Xanda Marsters (24p, 8r, 3a), Taine Murray (22p, 9r), Jayden Bezzant (18p, 4a)
Taranaki Airs 65: Aaron Cook Jr (12p, 9a), Taane Samuel (14p, 3r), Marcel Jones (13p, 6r, 2s)
What to Expect
Projected Starters
Taranaki Airs
G: Aaron Cook Jr
G: Xavier Green
F: Brandon Stroud
F: Taane Samuel
C: James Moors
The Northern Group Tauranga Whai
G: Jayden Bezzant
G: Taine Murray
F: Jordan Ngatai
F: Reuben Te Rangi
C: Nic Tata
This is a matchup between two teams who are trying to turn recent signs of progress into something a bit more tangible.
Taranaki will be looking to get off to a fast start as they look to end their 7-game slide. The Airs were excellent early against Auckland, but the third-quarter collapse was the difference. They rank first in turnover margin and second in steals, which shows they can create disruption in the passing lanes while taking care of the rock themselves. But they are also last in scoring, last in rebounding margin and near the bottom in field goal percentage indicating a lift in efficiency and a bit of dirty work on the glass is required to find the success they have been searching for.
Cook Jr remains the floor general, while Moors has become the Airs’ most reliable interior presence. Moors is averaging 15.8 points and 10.8 rebounds, and his ability to score, rebound and defend inside gives Taranaki a clear point of attack. Green and Stroud need to provide the perimeter scoring punch, while Samuel gives them another experienced big who can battle physically.
For the Whai, there will be a challenge in adjusting to play without Stoddart. He has been an important scorer, passer and defender, so Bezzant’s move into the starting group becomes significant. Bezzant gives Tauranga a main ball-handler and a player who can attack gaps while facilitating for scorers, but the Whai will likely lean even more on Ngatai’s composure and Te Rangi’s ability to create high-quality looks.
Tauranga’s strengths are clear. The Whai are first in free throw percentage, fifth in three-point percentage and have one of the league’s most efficient scorers in Te Rangi. But the glass remains a concern. They sit last in rebounds per game and defensive rebounding percentage, and that is where Moors, Samuel and Stroud can give Taranaki a path into the game.
If the Airs can force turnovers, win enough of the rebounding battle and avoid another damaging scoring drought, they can make this a home-court fight. If the Whai can control tempo through Ngatai, get Murray and Te Rangi quality looks and keep Tata involved around the rim, they can keep their winning run moving.
Matchup to Watch: James Moors v Nic Tata
This interior matchup that could decide the physical tone.
Moors has been excellent since joining Taranaki, averaging 15.8 points and 10.8 rebounds. He gives the Airs the kind of size and rebounding presence they badly need, especially against a Whai team that has struggled on the glass. If Moors gets deep position, attacks the offensive boards and forces Tauranga to collapse inside, Taranaki’s offence becomes much easier to organise.
Tata gives the Whai and efficient scorer but he may need to find a bit more volume to take the advantage in this matchup. He is shooting 68 percent from the field and gives Tauranga efficient finishing around the basket. He does not need a huge number of touches to impact the game, but he needs to be strong on the glass and make Moors work defensively.
The pressure is on Tata and the Whai frontcourt to limit second chances but the same challenge has been set for Moors and a Airs squad with a poor rebounding attack. Taranaki may not be a high-scoring team, but if Moors is creating extra possessions and drawing help, the Airs can keep the game in the balance.
If Moors controls the boards, Taranaki has a real route into the contest. If Tata holds his ground and finishes efficiently, Tauranga can blunt one of the Airs’ clearest advantages.
Matchup to Watch: Jayden Bezzant v Aaron Cook Jr
Bezzant moves into the starting group and will have a major role in helping Tauranga handle Taranaki’s pressure. He is averaging 7.7 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.7 assists, and while his scoring does not need to carry the Whai, his decision-making will be crucial. With Reuben Te Rangi, Taine Murray and Jordan Ngatai around him, Bezzant’s job is to keep the ball moving, make clean reads and avoid the live-ball turnovers that allow the Airs to get out and run.
Cook Jr is the key to a smooth running offence for the Airs. He is averaging 14.0 points, 6.9 assists and 2.6 steals, and he gives the Airs their best chance to turn defence into offence. Taranaki leads the league in turnover margin, and Cook Jr’s ability to pressure the ball is a big part of that. If he can speed Bezzant up, disrupt Tauranga’s timing and create transition chances, the Airs can turn this into the kind of chaotic game they need.
Bezzant will need to hold his composure. He does not need to win a scoring duel, but he does need to help the Whai get into their offence, find Te Rangi and Murray in rhythm and make Cook Jr defend. If he can settle early, Tauranga’s offence should have enough structure to manage Stoddart’s absence.
For Cook Jr, the challenge is to control the tempo without forcing the issue. If he can create pressure, win the assist battle and keep Taranaki organised in the half court, the Airs will have a real chance to protect home court.
If Bezzant handles the pressure, Tauranga can keep its winning run moving. If Cook Jr turns this matchup into a possession battle, Taranaki’s upset hopes get a major lift.
Matchup to Watch: Brandon Stroud and Xavier Green v Reuben Te Rangi and Taine Murray
This is where the scoring battle may be won.
Te Rangi and Murray give Tauranga one of the strongest scoring pairings in the league. Te Rangi is averaging 25.1 points on 62 percent shooting, while Murray is averaging 19.6 points and remains one of the most dangerous three-point shooters in the competition. If both find rhythm, the Whai can build separation quickly.
Stroud and Green need to make this matchup competitive. Green is averaging 15.8 points but had some huge scoring days early in the season and gives Taranaki a scoring option who can attack from different areas, while Stroud brings physicality, defensive activity and downhill pressure. Last time out Stroud had 12 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 steals, showing how much he can influence the game even when his shot is not falling.
For Taranaki, the key is making Te Rangi and Murray work at both ends. If Stroud and Green can attack early, draw fouls and create pressure, they can stop Tauranga’s stars from settling into comfortable offensive rhythm.
If Te Rangi and Murray win this matchup clearly, Tauranga’s offence should have enough firepower. If Stroud and Green keep it close, the Airs give themselves a much better chance of turning this into a late-game contest.
Individual Leaders
Category
Taranaki Airs
The Northern Group Tauranga Whai
Leading scorer
Moors / Green 15.8
Reuben Te Rangi 25.1
Leading rebounder
James Moors 10.8
Reuben Te Rangi 6.4
Leading assists
Aaron Cook Jr 6.9
Stoddart 4.3 / Te Rangi 2.9
Best FG%
Quintin Bailey 55%
Nic Tata 68%
Best 3PT FG%
Tuuta 41% / Cook Jr 40%
Xanda Marsters 49%
Blocks
James Moors 1.0
Te Rangi / Tata 0.4
Steals
Aaon Cook Jr / Stroud 2.6
Nick Stoddart 2.1
Minutes
Aaron Cook Jr 34.7
Taine Murray 35.2
Stats that Matter (League Rankings)
Stat
Taranaki Airs
The Northern Group Tauranga Whai
Points Per Game
81.6 (11th)
85.1 (9th)
Points Allowed Per Game
92.6 (8th)
90.1 (7th)
Scoring Margin
-11.1 (11th)
-5.0 (6th)
Field Goal %
43% (10th)
46% (7th)
Field Goal % Defence
49% (10th)
48% (8th)
Free Throw %
63% (10th)
76% (1st)
3-Point %
28% (11th)
33% (5th)
3-Point % Defence
33% (6th)
34% (8th)
3-Point FG Made
7.7 (11th)
8.7 (7th)
Rebounds Per Game
36.4 (10th)
36.0 (11th)
Rebounding Margin
-8.9 (11th)
-4.5 (10th)
Offensive Rebounds Per Game
6.9 (11th)
7.3 (10th)
Defensive Rebounds Per Game
24.9 (10th)
25.2 (9th)
Offensive Rebound %
17% (11th)
22% (10th)
Defensive Rebound %
75% (2nd)
69% (11th)
Assists Per Game
18.2 (8th)
16.6 (11th)
Steals Per Game
8.8 (2nd)
7.5 (6th)
Blocks Per Game
2.5 (7th)
2.3 (9th)
Turnover Margin
+2.5 (1st)
-0.3 (7th)
Assist/Turnover Ratio
1.47 (8th)
1.42 (9th)
Last Word
There is a big opportunity for both teams today.
The Airs have lost their footing after a fast start to the season, but their first half against Auckland showed they are still capable of troubling top sides when they defend with energy and get Moors, Cook Jr, Green and Stroud involved. Their problem has been sustaining it. Against Tauranga, they need a complete performance, not just a strong half.
The Whai are beginning to find rhythm. Te Rangi has been outstanding, Murray remains a constant scoring threat, and Ngatai’s presence gives the group another veteran who can steady late-game moments. Stoddart being out is a genuine loss, but Bezzant has shown he can step into bigger minutes and contribute.
The stats say these are two of the worst rebounding teams in the league. The team that is able to buck their trend may just find itself with control of the game.
Taranaki’s pressure and Tauranga’s efficiency will be key areas that could determine the outcome. The Airs lead the league in turnover margin and can create chaos, while the Whai shoot the ball better, get to the line and convert free throws at a league-best rate.
If Taranaki turns defence into offence and Moors controls the interior, the Airs can snap the skid at home. If Tauranga stays composed, limits turnovers and gets another strong night from Te Rangi and Murray, the Whai can make it three straight.