Posted on Saturday, August 1st, 2026
Semi-Final Preview: Tuatara vs Saints
Semi-Final 1 Preview: Jadcup Auckland Tuatara (1) vs Mills Albert Wellington Saints (4)
The first contender of the 2026 Sal’s NBL Grand Final will be decided today when the top-seeded Jadcup Auckland Tuatara host the fourth-seeded Mills Albert Wellington Saints at Eventfinda Stadium on Auckland’s North Shore.
Auckland earned a direct path to the semi-finals after completing the regular season at 16-4 and moving ahead of Southland on points percentage, thanks in large part to their stellar Rapid League season. The Tuatara secured the number-one seed with a 109-85 victory over the Taranaki Airs on the final day of the regular season.
Wellington’s path has already taken them through a sudden-death contest. The Saints defeated the Night ’n Day Otago Nuggets 94-81 in Thursday night’s Eliminator, using their defensive pressure and interior scoring to pull away after a tight first half.
The regular-season series finished level at one win apiece, with both teams defending their home floor. Wellington won 90-82 in the capital before Auckland responded with a 96-88 victory at Eventfinda Stadium.
The Tuatara enter rested and with the league’s leading defence. The Saints arrive with the league’s leading offence, the competition’s leading scorer and the momentum of an impressive postseason victory.
The winner advances to the Sal’s NBL Grand Final. The loser’s season ends here.
Game Details
Jadcup Auckland Tuatara vs Mills Albert Wellington Saints
When: Saturday 1 August
Where: Eventfinda Stadium, Auckland
Coverage: 3:00pm
Tip-off: 3:10pm
Watch in New Zealand: Sky Sport 3 and Sky Open
International: ESPN+ in the United States and FIBA YouTube internationally
Commentary: Taylah Johnson & Casey Frank with Charlie Dalton sideline
Box Score Here
Ticket Here
Player Status Report
The Tuatara will bring Rob Loe, Tom Vodanovich, Isaac Davidson, Sean Bairstow and Josh Dilling to the tip.
Zach Riley headlines Auckland’s available bench, with Dylan Wilkie, KC Ioane, Josh Wyllie, Josh Leger, Matthew Dalton and Kingston Kailahi-Aso also included.
Of their expected key contributors only Chris Johnson remains unavailable while still in the United States.
The Saints will start Hyrum Harris, Donte Ingram, Elijah Pepper, Carlin Davison and Akech Aliir.
Jordan Hunt will again play an important role from the bench, with Sam Gold, Mercury Nonu, Arthur Pilcher, Arana Robertson and Alex Blackmore also available.
Wellington remain without Braydon Iuli due to an Achilles injury and Izayah Le’afa with a foot injury. Hassan Munir is still out through illness while Darius Latu and Aubrey Chunga will also be unavailable.
How They Got Here
Jadcup Auckland Tuatara: First seed, 16-4
Auckland spent most of the regular season inside the top two, combining the league’s strongest defence with one of its most balanced offensive rotations.
The Tuatara won their first three games before suffering an eight-point loss in Wellington. They responded by winning 11 of their next 13, including victories over every other postseason qualifier.
Auckland’s late-season run was briefly disrupted by losses to Otago and Canterbury, denting their armour, but the Tuatara entered the final day still controlling their path to the number-one seed after results fell their way.
They completed the regular season with a 109-85 home victory over Taranaki. Auckland shot efficiently, moved the ball for 36 ast and finished the regular season at 16-4. Southland and Canterbury also finished with 16 wins, but the Tuatara’s superior points percentage placed them at the top of the ladder.
Auckland completed the regular season with a 9-1 home record, allowing only 83.6 pts per game and holding opponents to 42 percent shooting from the field and 29 percent from three.
The top seed earned the Tuatara a direct place in the semi-finals and six days to prepare for their opponent while they played for their finals lives.
Mills Albert Wellington Saints: Eliminator victory, 94-81 over Otago
Wellington arrived at Te Rauparaha Arena needing to survive a third meeting with an Otago team that had pushed them throughout the regular season.
The game remained tight during the opening stages before the Saints began to build control in the third quarter through their defensive pressure and ability to attack the paint.
Wellington shot 50 percent from the field and scored 56 points inside, compensating for a six-of-22 performance from three. The Saints forced 18 Otago turnovers, converting those mistakes into 24 points, while recording 12 stl and seven blk.
Pepper again led the offence with 33 pts, 5 reb, 4 ast and 1 blk. Davison directed the team with 17 pts and 12 ast, while Aliir added 12 pts, 6 reb, 4 stl and 3 blk.
The Nuggets continued to compete through Buay Tuach and Ethan Rusbatch, but Wellington’s ability to create stops and produce efficient scoring around the basket delivered the 94-81 victory.
The Saints now travel to Auckland having won four consecutive games, but face a demanding turnaround after playing on Thursday evening.
Regular-Season Series
The series finished 1-1
First Meeting
Monday 27 April: Mills Albert Wellington Saints 90 defeated Jadcup Auckland Tuatara 82
Auckland began strongly and appeared capable of extending its early-season winning run, but Wellington found the spice it needed through Pepper.
The lead changed hands throughout the middle periods as the Tuatara attempted to control the game with their size and defensive discipline. Wellington remained attached before taking control during the fourth quarter.
Pepper consistently placed pressure on the Auckland defence, while Aliir finished efficiently and Davison directed the offence. The Tuatara endured a difficult shooting night and were unable to produce their usual fourth-quarter response.
Wellington held Auckland to 41 percent from the field and five made threes. The Saints collected 47 reb and forced 12 turnovers while completing the game with greater efficiency during the closing possessions.
Mills Albert Wellington Saints: Elijah Pepper 30 pts, 6 reb and 5 ast; Akech Aliir 18 pts and 7 reb; Carlin Davison 14 pts, 7 reb and 9 ast.
Jadcup Auckland Tuatara: Zach Riley 28 pts, 9 reb and 4 ast; Chris Johnson 13 pts and 4 reb; Josh Dilling 10 pts, 3 reb and 5 ast.
Second Meeting
Sunday 14 June: Jadcup Auckland Tuatara 96 defeated Mills Albert Wellington Saints 88
The second contest followed a different pattern, with Auckland establishing a significant advantage through the middle periods before holding on late.
The Tuatara led 33-27 after the opening quarter before outscoring Wellington 23-16 during the second. Efficient scoring from Riley and the interior influence of Loe helped Auckland take a 56-43 lead into halftime.
The margin grew to 19 during the third quarter, with Bairstow and Vodanovich supplying important baskets around Loe’s work in the paint.
Wellington refused to disappear. Pepper and Aliir sparked a fourth-quarter comeback that reduced the deficit to five with just over a minute remaining, but Auckland remained composed.
Loe and Riley converted late free throws and the Tuatara produced the defensive stops required to secure the eight-point victory.
Auckland shot 54 percent from the field and scored 48 points in the paint. The Tuatara also received 46 bench points, led by Riley and Vodanovich.
Jadcup Auckland Tuatara: Zach Riley 26 pts, 7 reb and 3 ast; Sean Bairstow 19 pts, 8 reb and 4 ast; Rob Loe 18 pts, 7 reb and 6 ast.
Mills Albert Wellington Saints: Akech Aliir 22 pts, 11 reb, 2 ast and 1 blk; Carlin Davison 15 pts, 4 reb, 5 ast and 3 blk; Izayah Le’afa 13 pts, 1 reb and 5 ast.
What to Expect
The semi-final brings together the league’s leading offence and its most restrictive defence.
Wellington scores 100.1 pts per game and shoots 50 percent from the field. The Saints lead the competition in assists and can initiate through several positions, with Pepper, Davison and Harris each capable of creating advantages before Aliir, Ingram and Hunt finish the possession.
Auckland allows just 83.6 pts per game. Opponents shoot 42 percent from the field and 29 percent from three against the Tuatara, who use their size and defensive versatility to close off the paint without consistently giving away clean perimeter looks.
The Saints found success inside against Otago, scoring 56 points in the paint. Repeating that production against Loe, Vodanovich, Bairstow and Auckland’s length will be considerably more difficult.
Wellington must create movement in the Tuatara defence before attacking. Stationary isolation possessions will allow the Tuatara to load their defence towards Pepper, while quick ball movement can force Auckland into rotation while making it more difficult to defend in space.
The Tuatara’s offensive strength comes from their balance.
Bairstow led Auckland at 15.9 pts per game during the regular season, but Vodanovich, Dilling, Riley, Davidson and Loe all averaged between 13.9 and 14.9. Auckland does not require one player to dominate the shot count and can shift its offence depending on the matchup.
Riley’s role from the bench could be especially important. He led the Tuatara in both regular-season meetings with Wellington, scoring 28 in the loss and 26 in Auckland’s victory.
The rebounding battle will be key.
Auckland leads the league at 45.5 reb per game and holds a plus-5.9 rebounding margin. Wellington is also strong on the glass, with Harris, Davison, Aliir and Hunt helping the Saints hold one of the competition’s leading rebounding margins.
The absence of Johnson removes one of Auckland’s strongest defensive rebounders, but Loe, Vodanovich, Bairstow, Riley and Leger still provide considerable size.
Wellington must rebound collectively while managing fatigue. Harris and Aliir played 34 and 28 minutes respectively against Otago two days ago, while Davison, Ingram and Pepper each played at least 34 minutes.
Turnovers present contrasting strengths.
The Saints lead the league with 9.3 stl per game and produced 24 points from turnovers against Otago. Auckland, however, owns the league’s best assist-to-turnover ratio without a true point guard running the show.
Wellington needs live-ball pressure to create transition opportunities. Auckland will attempt to use that pressure against the Saints, moving the ball quickly and finding open players once the first defender commits.
Rest may also become a factor. The Tuatara have had six days to prepare, while Wellington must recover, travel and play again less than 48 hours after its Eliminator.
The Saints arrive with rhythm and momentum. The Tuatara await rested and prepared. How each team handles that contrast may influence the opening quarter.
Jadcup Auckland Tuatara Rotation
Josh Dilling 14.5 pts, 2.5 reb and 5.5 ast
Dilling is responsible for establishing Auckland’s offence and ensuring the Tuatara make full use of their balance.
He shoots 39 percent from three and owns an outstanding 3.6 assist-to-turnover ratio. His ability to operate out of the pick-and-roll, find Loe and Vodanovich inside and create perimeter opportunities for Riley, Davidson and Wilkie will be critical. His offence hasn’t been the first option, but he will need to be more aggressive early in the game to force the Saints into extra rotations.
Wellington will attempt to pressure Dilling and force the ball away from him. His composure against Pepper, Davison and the Saints’ switching defence will help determine whether Auckland can play at its preferred tempo.
Sean Bairstow 15.9 pts, 5.8 reb and 4.0 ast
Bairstow is Auckland’s leading regular-season scorer and one of its most efficient finishers.
He shoots 60 percent from the field and uses his size to attack smaller guards, finish in transition and contribute on the glass. His ability to make decisions as a secondary playmaker gives Auckland another option when the initial action is contained. His pressure on the paint is constant, but the perimeter attack is still a work in progress as he shot just 2-11 from deep on the year.
Bairstow scored 19 pts in the home victory over Wellington and enters the semi-final after producing a team-high 27 against Taranaki.
Isaac Davidson 14.0 pts, 5.1 reb and 2.8 ast
Davidson gives the Tuatara length, shooting and experience on the wing.
He shoots 46 percent from the field and 86 percent at the free-throw line. His size allows him to shoot over smaller defenders, attack closeouts and contribute defensively across several positions.
The Saints cannot lose Davidson while loading their coverage towards Auckland’s frontcourt. He is capable of punishing late rotations and has produced several important scoring performances this season.
Tom Vodanovich 14.9 pts, 6.4 reb and 2.0 ast
Vodanovich gives Auckland a physical forward who can operate inside or stretch the defence from the perimeter.
He shoots 52 percent from the field and remains one of the league’s most experienced postseason players. His rebounding and physicality become particularly important with Johnson unavailable and he also needs to be more judicious with his physicality to avoid early whistles against a Saints team that will test him.
Vodanovich must make Harris and Aliir defend through repeated actions while helping Loe control the glass at the other end.
Rob Loe 13.9 pts, 9.3 reb and 5.3 ast
Loe is the centre of Auckland’s defensive structure and one of the league’s most influential passing bigs.
He can initiate offence from the high post, find cutters and shooters or step outside to stretch opposing centres. His ability to rebound before making the first pass helps Auckland transition quickly from defence into organised offence. He may look to come out more aggressive in search of his own shot, forcing the defence to leave the paint to chase him.
Loe averaged 12 reb across the regular-season series and produced 18 pts, 7 reb and 6 ast in the home victory.
Wellington must prevent him from controlling the game without scoring. His passing can punish aggressive help towards Auckland’s guards, while his work on the glass can remove the Saints’ transition opportunities. Defensively the Saints need to make him leave the paint to open up lanes for drives and weakside cuts.
Tuatara Off the Pine
Riley is more than a traditional bench sub. He averages 14.2 pts, 5.3 reb and 3.6 ast and has been Auckland’s leading scorer in both games against Wellington. His energy, defensive focus, ability to attack the rim and 38 percent three-point shooting make him a likely member of the Tuatara’s closing lineup.
Wilkie provides elite perimeter efficiency, averaging 7.2 pts while shooting 56 percent from three. Wellington cannot leave him while sending additional help towards Loe or Riley.
Ioane brings physicality and frontcourt versatility, while Leger provides additional size and rebounding behind Loe. Wyllie offers another ball-handler, with Dalton and Kailahi-Aso available depending on the required matchups.
Breakdown: Auckland’s advantage comes from its balance and ability to maintain size throughout the game. The Tuatara can create through Dilling, Bairstow and Loe, bring Riley into the contest as a starter-level scorer and use Wilkie to stretch the floor. Their challenge is to remain aggressive after the extended break and prevent Wellington’s defensive pressure from changing the tempo.
Mills Albert Wellington Saints Rotation
Carlin Davison 13.7 pts, 6.9 reb, 7.4 ast and 1.9 stl
Davison is Wellington’s primary organiser and one of the most versatile guards in the competition.
He has become the de facto point forward where his size allows him to initiate offence over smaller defenders, attack mismatches and rebound before leading the break himself. He recorded 17 pts and 12 ast against Otago, consistently creating opportunities once the Nuggets committed additional defenders.
With Le’afa and Iuli unavailable, Davison must again carry a significant ball-handling workload. He also needs to avoid foul trouble against Auckland’s physical guards and forwards.
Donte Ingram 13.8 pts, 4.3 reb and 2.5 ast
Ingram provides the Saints with anonther experienced secondary scorer who can attack from the perimeter or use his size against smaller defenders.
He shoots 47 percent from the field and 83 percent at the free-throw line. His ability to make the next pass and contribute on the defensive glass helps Wellington maintain its offensive flow.
Auckland will attempt to make Ingram defend through repeated movement from Bairstow and Davidson. Wellington needs him to contribute at both ends without allowing the workload to reduce his offensive aggression.
Elijah Pepper 28.9 pts, 5.3 reb, 4.7 ast and 2.7 stl
Pepper is the league’s leading scorer and Wellington’s primary postseason weapon.
He shoots 52 percent from the field, 37 percent from three and 85 percent from the free-throw line. He can score off movement, attack in transition or create a difficult attempt when Wellington’s initial action has been contained.
Pepper scored 33 pts against Otago after averaging 21 pts across the regular-season series with Auckland. His 30-point performance carried Wellington to victory in the first meeting, but the Tuatara held him to 12 in the return game, his lowest point total of the season.
Auckland will use multiple defenders and attempt to make Pepper work at the defensive end. Wellington needs him to remain patient and trust the playmaking of Davison and Harris when the Tuatara send additional attention.
Hyrum Harris 10.1 pts, 7.9 reb and 4.3 ast
Last season’s finals MVP Harris is Wellington’s connector and one of the most important players in the possession battle.
His screening, passing, defensive versatility and offensive rebounding allow the Saints to use him in several roles. He can initiate from the elbow, switch onto guards and create second opportunities without requiring designed scoring touches.
Harris recorded only eight points against Otago, but his defensive activity and ability to keep the ball moving remained important.
Against Auckland, he must help contain Vodanovich and Loe while contributing on the glass against the league’s leading rebounding team.
Akech Aliir 16.5 pts, 6.6 reb and 1.0 blk
Aliir gives Wellington elite finishing, floor spacing and defensive length.
He shoots 61 percent from the field and 44 percent from three, making him difficult to contain with a conventional forward. He can finish above the rim, attack closeouts and protect the basket at the other end, but it will be his ability to pull Rob Loe out of the paint due to his three point efficiency that may be of the most importance.
Aliir produced four steals and three blocks against Otago, changing the game defensively even without a high scoring total.
He averaged 20 pts and 9 reb across the two regular-season meetings with Auckland and will be central to Wellington’s attempt to challenge the Tuatara’s rebounding attack.
Saints Off the Pine
Hunt is Wellington’s leading reserve, averaging 10.8 pts, 5.7 reb and 2.0 ast while shooting 56 percent from the field. He played an important role against Otago, collecting 11 reb and helping the Saints maintain their interior presence when Harris or Aliir rested.
Gold provides frontcourt depth, physicality and another potential floor spacer. Robertson and Pilcher offer additional guard minutes, while Nonu and Blackmore may be required because of Wellington’s injuries and short turnaround.
The absence of Chunga and Munir further reduces a bench already missing Iuli, Le’afa and Latu. Wellington may again rely heavily on its starters and Hunt, particularly if the semi-final remains close throughout.
Breakdown: Wellington’s offence finishes with Pepper more often than not, but its strongest possessions involve Davison and Harris creating advantages for the full group. Aliir and Hunt must challenge Auckland inside, while Ingram needs to provide enough secondary scoring to prevent the Tuatara from loading their defence towards Pepper. Depth and fatigue are the major concerns after Thursday’s Eliminator.
Matchups to Watch
Zach Riley vs Elijah Pepper
The two leading scorers from the regular-season series meet in a matchup that could determine the closing stages.
Riley scored 28 pts in Wellington and 26 at Eventfinda Stadium, consistently creating pressure through his driving and perimeter shooting.
Pepper responded with 30 in the Saints’ victory before Auckland held him to 12 in the return game.
Riley may begin on the bench, but he is likely to play major minutes and close the game. Auckland needs him to make Pepper work defensively while using his strength and athleticism to challenge Wellington’s perimeter coverage.
The Saints need Pepper’s scoring, but they must avoid becoming predictable if Auckland sends a second defender towards him.
Carlin Davison vs Sean Bairstow
Davison and Bairstow are two of the most versatile perimeter players in the semi-final, with both capable of scoring, creating and contributing on the glass.
Davison averages 13.7 pts, 6.9 reb, 7.4 ast and 1.9 stl. His size allows him to initiate Wellington’s offence over smaller defenders, attack mismatches and lead the break after securing a defensive rebound.
Bairstow leads Auckland at 15.9 pts per game while adding 5.8 reb and 4.0 ast. He shoots 60 percent from the field and uses his strength and movement to finish efficiently around the basket.
Davison will look to make Bairstow defend through repeated ball-screen actions, while Auckland can use Bairstow’s size to test Wellington’s point guard inside. Both players will also carry important secondary playmaking roles when the defence shifts towards Pepper, Loe or Auckland’s other scorers.
Whichever player is able to impose his physicality without losing efficiency could give his team a significant advantage.
Rob Loe and Tom Vodanovich vs Hyrum Harris and Akech Aliir
The frontcourt battle brings together four players with very different strengths.
Loe and Vodanovich provide size, passing and physicality. Auckland can use Loe at the high post while Vodanovich spaces the floor or attacks smaller defenders inside.
Harris and Aliir offer greater mobility and defensive versatility. Harris can switch and initiate offence, while Aliir’s athleticism and perimeter shooting can pull Auckland’s frontcourt away from the basket.
Wellington needs to prevent Loe and Vodanovich from controlling the defensive glass. Auckland must contain Aliir without allowing Harris to create second possessions or connect the Saints’ offence.
Individual Category Leaders
Category
Jadcup Auckland Tuatara
Mills Albert Wellington Saints
Leading scorer
Sean Bairstow, 15.9ppg
Elijah Pepper, 28.9ppg
Rebounding
Rob Loe, 9.3rpg
Hyrum Harris, 7.9rpg
Assists
Josh Dilling, 5.5apg
Carlin Davison, 7.4apg
Steals
Zach Riley, 1.2spg
Elijah Pepper, 2.7spg
Blocks
Rob Loe, 0.8bpg
Akech Aliir, 1.0bpg
Field-goal percentage
Sean Bairstow/ Dylan Wilkie 60%
Akech Aliir, 61%
Three-point percentage
Dylan Wilkie, 56%
Akech Aliir, 44%
Turnovers
Sean Bairstow, 2.2 per game
Carlin Davison, 3.6 per game
Made three-pointers
Josh Dilling, 2.5 per game
Elijah Pepper, 3.5 per game
Stats That Matter
Category
Jadcup Auckland Tuatara
Mills Albert Wellington Saints
Postseason seed
1st
4th
Record
16-4
16-5, including Eliminator
Recent form
3-2
4-1
Home/away record
9-1 at home
6-4 away
Points per game
96.0, 4th
100.1, 1st
Points allowed
83.6, 1st
89.7, 5th
Scoring margin
+12.5, 2nd
+10.4, 3rd
Field-goal percentage
49%, 2nd
50%, 1st
Defensive field-goal percentage
42%, 2nd
46%, 6th
Three-point percentage
36%, 2nd
34%, 6th
Defensive three-point percentage
29%, 1st
34%, 8th
Three-pointers made
10.8 per game, 3rd
10.4 per game, 4th
Free-throw percentage
68%, 7th
74%, 1st
Rebounds
45.5 per game, 1st
42.2 per game, 4th
Rebounding margin
+5.9, 1st
+5.1, 3rd
Offensive rebounding percentage
28%, 6th
32%, 3rd
Defensive rebounding percentage
78%, 1st
74%, 3rd
Assists
24.7 per game, 2nd
25.3 per game, 1st
Turnovers
12.0 per game, third-fewest
13.8 per game, most
Turnover Margin
-2.25, 11th
+0.57, 4th
Assist-to-turnover ratio
2.1, 1st
1.8, 3rd
Steals
5.8 per game, 11th
9.3 per game, 1st
Blocks
2.7 per game, 6th
4.2 per game, 3rd
Final Word
Auckland enters as the top seed, the league’s leading defensive team and the owner of a 9-1 home record.
The Tuatara’s combination of size, balance and ball movement gives them several ways to control the semi-final. Dilling and Loe can direct the offence, Bairstow and Davidson can attack mismatches, and Riley provides a major scoring threat from the bench.
Wellington arrives with less rest, but with the confidence of a strong Eliminator performance. Pepper remains the most dangerous scorer in the contest, while Davison, Harris and Aliir give the Saints enough playmaking and versatility to challenge Auckland at both ends.
The pathway for the Tuatara begins with controlling Pepper without losing Wellington’s secondary scorers. They must protect the ball from the Saints’ pressure, complete defensive possessions and use their depth to test a shortened Wellington rotation.
For the Saints, the challenge is to turn defensive activity into easy offence. They cannot rely exclusively on Pepper making difficult shots against the league’s best defence. Davison must create, Aliir and Harris must compete on the glass, and Ingram and Hunt must provide meaningful scoring support.
The regular-season meetings demonstrated how close the matchup can be. Wellington controlled the fourth quarter to win by eight in the capital. Auckland established a large middle-period advantage before holding off the Saints by eight at Eventfinda Stadium.
Now the series returns to Auckland with far greater consequences.
The Tuatara have been waiting since Sunday. The Saints survived on Thursday. Today, one of them will book a place in the 2026 Sal’s NBL Grand Final.