The Wellington Saints asserted their dominance in the New Zealand National Basketball League with a commanding 81–67 victory over the Franklin Bulls on June 21, 2026, in Auckland. The Saints controlled the game from start to finish, using a stifling defense and balanced scoring to snap a two-game losing streak.
Match Overview
Wellington jumped out to an early 12‑point lead in the first quarter and never looked back. Franklin managed to trim the deficit to single digits in the third quarter, but the Saints responded with a 10‑2 run to restore a comfortable cushion. The Bulls struggled to contain Wellington’s transition offense and perimeter shooting.
Key Moments
- First-quarter blitz: The Saints opened with a 25–13 first quarter, fueled by three three-pointers from guard Tom West.
- Bulls fightback: Franklin cut the lead to six early in the third, but a timeout by Wellington coach Mark Henry settled his team, leading to a decisive run.
- Dagger three: With 4:34 remaining, Saints forward Liam Carter hit a step‑back three from the wing, pushing the lead to 18 and effectively ending any comeback hopes.
Standout Players
Wellington was led by Tom West, who scored a game-high 23 points on 8‑of‑14 shooting, including 5 three‑pointers. Power forward Jake Thompson added a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds. For Franklin, guard Isaac Brown tallied 18 points and six assists, but received little support from his teammates.
Tactical Story
The Saints employed a aggressive full‑court press in the first half, disrupting Franklin’s ball movement and forcing 11 turnovers. Offensively, Wellington spread the floor and attacked the paint, drawing fouls and converting free throws. The Bulls struggled to find consistent scoring outside of Brown, and their interior defense was exposed by Thompson’s size.
Season Impact
Wellington improves to 12‑5 for the season, solidifying their position in the top three of the NBL standings. Franklin drops to 8‑9, slipping further from playoff contention. The Saints will look to build momentum as they prepare for a tough road stretch.

