The EnviroNZ Franklin Bulls used a fourth quarter comeback to secure their first SalsNBL win in Pukekohe with a 100-99 win over the Manawatu Jets at the Franklin Pool & Leisure Centre on Saturday night.
The home side struggled to find their range from outside the arc early and went toe-to-toe with the Jets in the first quarter before grabbing a 53-50 at halftime.
But the Jets kicked clear in the second half and maintained a lead until the final minutes when the home side came up with some key plays.
Former NBA point guard Josh Selby led the Bulls with 27 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and four steals to fill the stats sheet.
Fellow import Zane Waterman, fresh out of his MIQ stint, made a huge impact for the home side as he added 25 points and 14 boards.
The American power forward made a spectacular blocked shot at the defensive end to bring the crowd into the game before a big slam dunk, which saw the University of Manhattan star end up chest-down on the court under the hoop. He produced a couple of push-ups to rev up the home fans.
Filipino guard Joe Nunag had a career night with 20 points off the bench.
“I’m happier than this time last week,” coach Jamie Reddish said after the game. “We live and we learn – we learned from last week and got the win."
“It is the first one ever – it is the first win at home for the Franklin Bulls so it is emotional for us and the boys feel it too. This is the first of many – we will enjoy it.”
The Bulls improve their record to 1-1 and will now head off for a road trip to New Plymouth to face the Taranaki Mountainairs on Thursday.
Final Score 100-99