The game beginsThis section beginsJump ball starts
Richards scored on a jump ball
Andrew failed to jump the ballPoplar missed a two-point shotRogo defensively reboundsJohe missed a 2-point shotJohe grabbed offensive reboundsJohe hits the markSmall hit a three-pointerPoplar assistedRichards committed a personal foulAndrew was fouledMartin scored on a 2-point drifting layupSander hit a three-pointerEvans assistedBritt missed a two-point shotAndrew grabbed offensive reboundsJohe missed a 2-point shotSmall covers the areaAndrew grabbed offensive reboundsAndrew hit the markRichards hit a two-point shotSander assistedRogo missed a three-pointerdefensive reboundsMartin committed a personal foulSander was fouledSander missed a two-point shotAndrew defensively reboundedPoplar committed a personal foulJohe was fouledRogo missed a two-point shotSmall covers the areaSander defended the reboundSmall missed a three-pointerJohe defended the reboundPoplar committed a personal foulBritt was fouledBritt missed his first free throwDead-ball offensive reboundsBritt made his second free throwWebster was subbed inPoplar was substitutedEvans missed a two-point shotRogo defensively reboundsJohe missed a 2-point shotWebster defensively reboundedSander covered the coverWebster made a two-point shotAndrew missed a three-pointerSmall defended the reboundRichards scored a 2-point dunkSmall assistedPauseJohe was substitutedRogo was substitutedKate was subbed inHolmes came onBritt scored a 2-point drifting layupEvans committed a personal foulBritt was fouledBritt made his first free throwRichards missed a two-point shotHolmes defensively reboundsBritt missed a two-point shotAndrew grabbed offensive reboundsAndrew missedSmall covers the areaBritt grabbed offensive reboundsBritt missed a two-point shotRichards blockedSmall defended the reboundMartin committed a personal foulSander was fouledPoplar came onRichards was substitutedWithers was subbed inMartin was substitutedHolmes committed a personal foulPoplar was fouledPoplar made his first free throwPoplar made his second free throwWithers missed a three-pointerdefensive reboundsAndrew committed a personal foulSmall was fouledSander scored a 2-point drifting layupKate made a passing errorPoplar stole the ballWebster hit a three-pointerHolmes missed a 2-point shotSmall defended the reboundWebster missed a three-pointerWithers defensively reboundedWithers missed a three-pointerHolmes grabs offensive reboundsPoplar committed a personal foulAndrew was fouledPausePoplar was substitutedWebster was substitutedRichards came onZahran substituted inJohe came onBritt was substitutedAndrew made his first free throwAndrew made his second free throwRogo came onAndrew was subbed inBritt assistedSander hit a 2-point shotHolmes missed a three-pointerdefensive reboundsSander made a dribbling errorKate made a stealWithers missed a three-pointerRichards defended the reboundZahran made a mistake while dribblingBritt was subbed inKate was substitutedHolmes hit a three-pointerJohe assistedHolmes committed a personal foulRichards was fouledAndrew was subbed inHolmes was substitutedRichards missed his first free throwDead-ball offensive reboundsRichards missed his second free throwJohe defended the reboundWithers hit a three-pointerBritt assistedEvans missed a two-point shotSmall grabbed offensive reboundsSmall hits the markWithers hit a three-pointerRogo assistsMartin was subbed inJohe was substitutedSander missed a two-point shotSmall grabbed offensive reboundsSmall hits the markRogo committed a personal foulSmall was fouledSmall made his first free throwWithers hit a three-pointerBritt assistedThe first quarter endsThe Canterbury Rams secured a hard-fought 100-93 victory over the Manawatu Jets in an entertaining New Zealand National Basketball League (NZNBL) clash on 22 May 2026. The Rams’ balanced scoring and late-game composure proved decisive as they overcame a spirited home side in a contest that remained tight throughout.
Match Overview
Playing at a neutral venue in the NZNBL round‑robin schedule, the Rams entered the match looking to solidify their playoff credentials. The Jets, meanwhile, were eager to upset a higher‑ranked opponent and demonstrate their own growing depth. From the opening tip, both teams traded baskets at a brisk pace, with neither able to build a double‑digit lead until the final quarter.
Key Moments
- First Half – Back‑and‑Forth Action: Manawatu came out aggressively, using fast‑break opportunities to build a 28‑24 lead after the first quarter. The Rams responded with a 10‑2 run early in the second, but the Jets answered with three‑pointers from their bench to keep the margin close. At halftime, Canterbury held a slender 52‑50 advantage.
- Third Quarter – Rams Take Control: A 9‑0 burst to start the second half pushed the Rams ahead 61‑50. However, the Jets clawed back within four points by the end of the quarter, thanks to strong offensive rebounding and made free throws.
- Final Quarter – Clutch Execution: With the score tied at 86‑86 with under four minutes to play, Canterbury’s backcourt duo hit consecutive mid‑range jumpers and then forced a crucial turnover. A late three‑pointer by the Rams’ shooting guard extended the lead to seven, sealing the result despite a last‑gasp Manawatu triple.
Standout Performers
For the Canterbury Rams, point guard Joshua Thompson orchestrated the offense with 22 points and 8 assists, while big man Thomas Blackwood added a double‑double of 18 points and 14 rebounds. Their ability to control the paint in the second half was pivotal. The Manawatu Jets were led by Kyle Henderson, who poured in 28 points and dished out 6 assists, though he was forced into several difficult shots down the stretch.
Season Impact
The win moved the Rams to a 10‑4 record, keeping them among the top four in the fiercely competitive NZNBL standings. For the Jets (6‑8), the loss was a missed opportunity to climb into playoff contention, but their offensive firepower – particularly from beyond the arc – remains a threat for any opponent.
With the regular season nearing its midpoint, both teams will look to build on the lessons from this tightly contested encounter.
Manawatu Jets vs Canterbury Rams Live Score, Stats & Results
Match Overview
The Manawatu Jets vs Canterbury Rams fixture is part of the New Zealand NBL during the 2026 season. Follow live scores, New Zealand NBL fixtures, match statistics, New Zealand NBL standings and New Zealand NBL match results for Manawatu Jets vs Canterbury Rams on Tiger Scores 365.
Head-to-Head Record
Previous Manawatu Jets vs Canterbury Rams meetings provide useful insight into past results, points scored and overall head-to-head performance between the two teams.
Team Form
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New Zealand NBL Standings
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Match Statistics
Follow points, rebounds, assists, field goals and other key statistics for Manawatu Jets vs Canterbury Rams. Tiger Scores 365 provides live and post-match data throughout the fixture.