The Manawatu Jets delivered a stunning offensive masterclass on July 24, 2026, dismantling the Franklin Bulls 122–76 in a New Zealand National Basketball League showdown that showcased the Jets’ firepower at its absolute peak. The 46-point margin of victory was the largest of the season for any team, leaving the Bulls shell-shocked from the opening tip.

Match Overview

From the first quarter, the Jets set a blistering tempo that the Bulls simply could not handle. Manawatu shot an extraordinary 58% from the field and connected on 15 three-pointers, while their defense forced 22 turnovers that were quickly converted into transition points. By halftime, the home side had already built a 30-point lead, and they never took their foot off the accelerator.

Key Moments

• First-Quarter Blitz: The Jets opened with a 38–18 run, hitting seven of their first ten three-point attempts. Forward Tai Webster scored 12 points in the period alone.
• Second-Quarter Domination: Manawatu outscored Franklin 32–18, with point guard Isaac Davidson dishing out six assists to keep the offense flowing effortlessly.
• Third-Quarter Knockout Punch: Any hopes of a Bulls comeback evaporated when the Jets exploded for a 30–12 third quarter, stretching the lead beyond 40 points.
• Bench Celebration: With the game long decided, the Jets’ reserves maintained the intensity, extending the margin to 46 points by the final buzzer.

Standout Players

Tai Webster was unstoppable, finishing with a game-high 28 points on 11-of-16 shooting, adding 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Isaac Davidson recorded a double-double with 15 points and 12 assists, controlling the game’s pace from the start. For the Bulls, Tom Vodanovich tried to keep his team afloat with 22 points and 9 rebounds, but he received little support from his teammates.

Tactical Story

The Jets’ game plan was simple: push the ball in transition and exploit mismatches on the perimeter. Manawatu’s guards repeatedly broke down the Bulls’ defense off the dribble, creating open looks for shooters or easy finishes at the rim. Defensively, they switched aggressively on every screen, forcing the Bulls into contested jumpers and rushed decisions. Franklin’s offense, by contrast, became stagnant, often devolving into isolation plays that resulted in low-percentage shots.

Season Impact

The victory improved the Jets’ record to 12–5, strengthening their hold on a top-four playoff seeding in the NZNBL. For the Bulls, the loss dropped them to 8–9, putting their postseason hopes in jeopardy. The 122-point performance was the highest single-game scoring output by the Jets in over a decade, signaling that Manawatu may be the most dangerous team in the league heading into the final stretch of the regular season.