Posted on Sunday, June 14th, 2026
Game Recap: Jets v Whai
Result: Property Brokers Manawatū Jets (92) are defeated by The Northern Group Tauranga Whai (96)
The Whai held off a determined Jets comeback to secure a hard fought 96-92 road victory in a fast paced contest. The first quarter was played at a high tempo with both teams attacking the basket and trading scores. The Jets started strongly but the Whai gradually built their momentum. There were some strong drives in the paint from Tai Webster, Kaden Sand, and Jamal Poplar Jr. which helped the Jets stay close in score. Nicolas Tātā provided one of the early highlights with a slam as the visitors took a 28-20 lead into the first break.
The Whai maintained their advantage in the second quarter despite the Jets producing several highlight plays of their own. Kaden Sand slammed a monster dunk, while Isiah Small threw down an impressive slam over two defenders. The Whai responded with shooting from deep, including a standout three pointer from Jordan Ngatai after sending his defender airborne. Taine Murray’s pace helped keep the visitors in control as they led 54-44 at halftime.
The Jets came out firing in the third quarter with Jamal Poplar Jr opening the scoring from beyond the arc and Tai Webster led the charge with several strong drives to the basket. The game was locked at 65-65 with three minutes remaining before both teams traded big shots and plays. Xanda Marsters knocked down back-to-back three-pointers from the wing while Small added another dunk late in the quarter as the Jets closed the gap to just two points heading into the final quarter with the Whai only leading by 2 (74-72).
The final quarter remained tight with the game tied within a point at the three-minute mark before Ngatai once again delivered from deep to give the Whai a boost. Three pointers and free throws proved decisive in the closing minutes with the Whai holding their lead to secure a 96-92 victory.
Leading Players
Property Brokers Manawatū Jets: Tai Webster (37pts, 1reb, 4ast), Isiah Small (23pts, 9reb, 4ast)
The Northern Group Tauranga Whai: Jordan Ngatai (25pts, 8reb, 2ast), Taine Murray (17pts, 3reb, 3ast), Xanda Marsters (17pts, 2reb, 1ast)
MVP Votes:
TBD
Rapid League game:
Result: Cook Street Manawatū Jets (33) are defeated by Tauranga Whai (39)
The Whai held off a determined Jets side to claim a 39-33 victory in a the Rapid League. The game started at a fast pace but quickly turned into a grind, with both teams trading steals, rebounds, and tough defense. The Whai edged ahead early and carried a 8-6 lead after a physical first quarter with Ihaia Abbott working hard for the Jets in the paint.
The second quarter stayed evenly matched with finishing 16-16 at halftime. Xanda Marsters helped spark the Whai early in the period. A late Jets three briefly gave them the lead, but the Whai responded quickly to level things heading into the break.
The Jets took control of the scoreboard in the third quarter pushing ahead 28-26 with three point shooting from Boston Caldwell, but a late shot from Josh Kelly kept the game tight. The final quarter remained tight, with the game tied at 33-33 deep into the period. Both teams traded big plays, including a late three pointer from Jett Thompson for the Whai to secure a hard fought 39-33 win.
Leading Players
Cook Street Manawatū Jets: Boston Caldwell (13pts, 1reb, 2ast), Hamza Zahran (7pts, 1reb, 2ast)
Tauranga Whai: Jett Thompson (18pts, 4reb, 1ast), Xanda Marsters (9pts, 4reb, 2ast)
Rapid League MVP Votes:
TBD