Posted on Saturday, July 4th, 2026
Game Recap: Whai v Tuatara
Result: The Northern Group Tauranga Whai (59) are defeated by the Jadcup Auckland Tuatara (109)
The Auckland Tuatara overcame an early Whai lead to claim a commanding 109-59 victory. The Whai made the perfect start with Kiani Saxon opening the scoring from beyond the arc as the home side raced out to an 11-0 lead, forcing an early Tuatara timeout. Strong defensive pressure kept the visitors scoreless for the opening two minutes, while Saxon added a big block to excite the home crowd. The Tuatara gradually settled into the contest by erasing the deficit before taking a 25-19 lead into the first break. The visitors took complete control in the second quarter. Chris Johnson threw down a powerful slam, while Zach Riley connected from beyond the arc as the Tuatara pushed the margin into double figures. Their relentless scoring saw them head into halftime with a 58-37 lead.
The Tuatara continued their momentum after the break, opening the third quarter with the first points before stretching the lead even further through strong drives to the basket. The Whai continued to compete but the Tuatara proved too strong as they took a 90-45 advantage into the fourth quarter. Despite the score, the Whai provided major highlights with Nicolas Tata throwing down a monster dunk to lift the crowd’s energy and Xanda Marsters also connected from beyond the arc, while Jayden Bezzant also pulled up for 2pts. However, the Tuatara’s pace was too much with Sean Bairstow and Josh Dilling leading the charge through aggressive drives and efficient scoring as the Auckland Tuatara took a convincing 109-59 win.
Leading Players
The Northern Group Tauranga Whai: Jayden Bezzant (14pts, 4reb, 4ast), Cole Hopoi (10pts, 5reb, 2ast)
Jadcup Auckland Tuatara: Josh Dilling (19pts, 4ast), Sean Bairstow (15pts, 6reb, 3ast), Isaac Davidson (14pts, 5reb, 2ast)
MVP Votes:
Josh Dilling (Tuatara) – 9
Jayden Bezzant (Whai) – 7
Sean Bairstow (Tuatara) – 4
Chris Johnson (Tuatara) – 3
Xanda Marsters (Whai) – 3
Tom Vodanovich (Tuatara) – 2
Cole Hopoi (Whai) – 1
Anzac Risetto (Whai) – 1
Rapid League game:
Result: Tauranga Whai (34) are defeated by the Auckland Tuatara (43)
The Auckland Tuatara made a confident start, with Dylan Wilkie opening the scoring before knocking down an early three pointer. The Whai responded with strong drives to the rim, while Josh Kelly was active in the paint, but the Tuatara’s long range shooting and a late first quarter slam helped them take a 9-5 lead into the break. The Tuatara extended their advantage in the second quarter through efficient 3pt shooting and strong defence. Michael Wade opened the scoring from the free throw line for the Whai but the visitors continued to find their sweet spot from beyond the arc. Josh Wyllie capped off the first half with a buzzer-beating three pointer to send the Tuatara into halftime with a 26-13 lead.
The Whai showed intensity after the break with Josh Kelly opening the third quarter with a three pointer as the home side increased its defensive pressure. Despite the pressure from the Whai, Matthew Dalton continued to attack the paint and helped the Tuatara maintain their lead which took them to a 35-28 advantage into the final quarter. The Whai continued to fight in the closing period keeping the margin close through determined defense, however the Tuatara remained in control to close out a 43-34 victory.
Leading Players
Tauranga Whai: Joshua Kelly (7pts, 2reb, 1ast), Geordie Hoeata (7pts, 7reb)
Auckland Tuatara: Matthew Dalton (11pts, 5reb, 2ast), Joshua Leger (9pts, 8reb, 1ast)
Rapid League MVP Votes:
Mattie Dalton (Tuatara) – 9
Josh Leger (Tuatara) – 9
Jett Thompson (Whai) – 5
Cooper Lepou (Tuatara) – 3
Dylan Wilkie (Tuatara) – 2
Mike Wade (Whai) – 1
Josh Kelly (Whai) – 1