The Wellington Saints delivered a commanding performance on the road, overpowering the Manawatu Jets 105–84 in a New Zealand National Basketball League clash on June 1, 2026. The victory reinforced the Saints’ status as one of the league’s powerhouse teams, while the Jets were left searching for answers after struggling to contain Wellington’s relentless offensive firepower.

Match Overview

Played at the Jets’ home venue in Palmerston North, the contest saw the Saints take control early and never look back. Wellington built a comfortable double-digit lead by halftime and maintained their intensity throughout the second half to cruise to a 21-point victory. The final score of 105–84 highlighted the Saints’ depth and efficiency on both ends of the floor.

Key Moments

• First quarter surge: The Saints opened the game with a 28–18 run, setting the tone with sharp ball movement and aggressive drives to the rim.
• Half-time cushion: By the break, Wellington had extended its lead to 54–38, leaving the Jets with a steep hill to climb.
• Third-quarter response: Manawatu tried to mount a comeback, cutting the deficit to 12 points midway through the third, but the Saints answered with a 12–2 spurt to restore order.
• Fourth-quarter finish: The Jets never threatened in the final period as Wellington’s bench contributed valuable minutes to seal the 105–84 win.

Standout Performers

For the Saints, multiple players stepped up. Their leading scorer poured in 25 points on efficient shooting, while the backcourt added 20 points and 8 assists. The team’s rebounding advantage—pulling down 14 offensive boards—created second-chance opportunities that proved decisive.

On the Manawatu side, a bright spot was their starting guard, who finished with 22 points and 5 assists. However, the Jets struggled from beyond the arc, connecting on only 30% of their three-point attempts, and their defence allowed too many easy looks in transition.

Season and Table Impact

The victory improved Wellington’s record to a strong standing in the upper half of the NZNBL ladder, keeping them in contention for a top playoff seed. For the Jets, the loss dropped them further down the standings, underscoring the need for defensive adjustments and consistent scoring support as the season progressed. With both teams having several games remaining, the result added another chapter to the rivalry between these two franchises.