The Southland Sharks delivered a commanding performance on the road, defeating the Nelson Giants 95–85 in a New Zealand National Basketball League clash on Saturday, 13 June 2026. The Sharks improved their season record with a ten-point victory that highlighted their offensive depth and defensive resilience.

Match Overview

Playing at the Nelson Trafalgar Centre, the Giants started strongly, feeding off home‑crowd energy. However, the Sharks gradually seized control in the second quarter and never looked back. The final scoreline of 95–85 reflected a game that was competitive throughout but ultimately dominated by Southland’s transition game and three‑point shooting.

Key Moments

• First‑quarter fightback: Nelson opened with a 12‑4 run, but Southland responded with a 10‑2 spurt to close the period trailing by just one.
• Second‑quarter surge: The Sharks outscored the Giants 28–18 in the second, taking a 48–39 lead into halftime.
• Third‑quarter response: Nelson cut the deficit to five points midway through the third, but Southland answered with back‑to‑back triples to restore a double‑digit margin.
• Closing stretch: The Giants could not get closer than seven points in the final quarter as Southland’s free‑throw shooting sealed the win.

Tactical Story

Southland head coach Mike Roper opted for a small‑ball lineup that spread the floor and created driving lanes. The Sharks’ ball movement produced 22 assists, while their aggressive help defence forced 14 turnovers. Nelson, by contrast, relied heavily on isolation plays from their guards but struggled to contain Southland’s pick‑and‑roll attack. The Sharks also dominated the glass, grabbing 12 offensive rebounds that led to 18 second‑chance points.

Standout Players

• Southland Sharks: Guard Jordan Ngatai led all scorers with 27 points (5‑of‑8 from three), adding 6 assists. Centre Tai Wynyard notched a double‑double with 14 points and 13 rebounds.
• Nelson Giants: Forward Sam Waardenburg posted 22 points and 8 rebounds in a losing effort, while point guard Jack Salt contributed 10 assists but only 8 points.

Season Impact

The win moved Southland into fourth place on the NBL ladder with a 7‑4 record, strengthening their playoff positioning. Nelson dropped to 5–6, sitting just outside the top six. The Sharks’ ability to win away from home will be a crucial factor as they aim for a top‑four finish. The two teams meet again in Invercargill later this month, a clash that could have major implications for seeding.

With this result, the Sharks proved they can impose their style on a hostile court, while the Giants must find more consistency on both ends to climb back into contention.