Posted on Saturday, April 18th, 2026

Game Recap: Whai v Airs

Result: The Northern Group Tauranga Whai (87) defeat Taranaki Airs (65)

Without Reuben Te Rangi, the Whai would put pressure on the other 30 point scorer on the team, Taine Murray. Their efforts allowed the Whai to take space throughout the court and give open looks to the likes of Nic Tata who capitalised on the opportunities. Xanda Marsters would also pour in 17 points on impressive shooting splits. For the Airs, they struggled to find offence with Taane Samuel the only player to really show signs of life. Taine Murry continued to perform, dropping in 22 points and 9 boards in what would be a dominant outing for the home side Whai. 

Tauranga Whai: Xanda Marsters (24p, 8r, 3a), Taine Murray (22p, 9r), Jayden Bezzant (18p, 4a)

Taranaki Airs: Aaron Cook Jr (12p, 9a), Taane Samuel (14p, 3r), Marcel Jones (13p, 6r, 2s)

Sal’s NBL Box Score

MVP Votes:

Taine Murry (Whai) – 10

Xanda Marsters (Whai) – 8

Aaron Cook Jr (Airs) – 5

Jayden Bezzant (Whai) – 4

Quintin Bailey (Airs) – 2

Marcel Jones (Airs) – 1

Rapid League game:

Result: The Northern Group Tauranga Whai (34) defeat  Taranaki Airs (24)

Having just taken a tough loss to the Hawke’s Bay Hawks, the Taranaki Airs Rapid League squad was looking to bounce back in a big way on the road. The first quarter was a low scoring one for both teams, with just a 9-5 and then they would follow up with one even lower. The second half would be a 13-8 scoreline and mark the lowest scoring half of the season. At this point, it was anyone’s game. The Whai really controlled the paint through the game, outrebounding the Airs 32 boards to 10. It was the largest factor as to the final result, with the Whai taking a 34-24 win and going up 2-0 on the Rapid League season. 

Leading Players

Tauranga Whai: Joshua Kelly (9p, 4r), Flynn Rapson (9p, 2s), Dion Collins (5p, 8r)

Taranaki Airs: Lyric Tuhaka (8p, 3r, 3s)

Rapid League Box Score

Rapid League MVP Votes:

Geordie Hoeata (Whai) – 9

Flynn Rapson (Whai) – 9

Lyric Tuhaka (Airs) – 5

Jett Thompson (Whai) – 3

Josh Kelly (Whai) – 2

Jordy Cooper (Airs) – 1

Jerome Tamatea (Airs) – 1