The Taranaki Mountainairs suffered a tough defeat at home on 29 May 2026, falling 89–77 to the Manawatu Jets in a New Zealand National Basketball League clash. Despite a spirited fourth-quarter rally, the Mountainairs could not overcome a dominant Jets performance that saw them control the tempo from the opening tip.
Match Overview
Playing at the TSB Stadium in New Plymouth, the Mountainairs started slowly and found themselves trailing by double digits early in the second quarter. The Jets, led by a sharp-shooting backcourt, built a 48–36 halftime lead behind efficient ball movement and aggressive transition play. Taranaki struggled to contain Manawatu’s pick-and-roll offence, which generated multiple open looks from beyond the arc.
Key Moments
- First-half surge: The Jets opened the second quarter with a 12–2 run, pushing the lead to 16 points and forcing a Mountainairs timeout.
- Mountainairs fight back: Taranaki cut the deficit to seven points late in the third period after a 9–0 spurt sparked by guard Josh Bloxham, but the Jets answered with a triple to restore breathing room.
- Clutch free throws: In the final two minutes, Manawatu converted 8 of 10 free throws to seal the victory and deny any comeback hopes.
Standout Players
Manawatu Jets: Forward Sam Waardenburg led all scorers with 24 points on 9-of-15 shooting, adding 7 rebounds. Point guard Jordan Ngatai controlled the game with 11 assists and 4 steals, while centre Mika Vukona contributed a double-double with 14 points and 11 boards.
Taranaki Mountainairs: Import guard Jalen Billups poured in 22 points and dished out 5 assists, but received limited support from the supporting cast. Forward Marcus Alipate finished with 16 points and 8 rebounds in a losing effort.
Table Impact
The win keeps Manawatu in contention for a top-four playoff spot, improving their record to 12–8. Taranaki, now 9–11, will need to regroup quickly as they face the Canterbury Rams next week in a crucial matchup for post-season positioning.
Taranaki Mountainairs vs Manawatu Jets Live Score, Stats & Results
Match Overview
The Taranaki Mountainairs vs Manawatu Jets 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 Taranaki Mountainairs vs Manawatu Jets on Tiger Scores 365.
Head-to-Head Record
Previous Taranaki Mountainairs vs Manawatu Jets 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 Taranaki Mountainairs vs Manawatu Jets. Tiger Scores 365 provides live and post-match data throughout the fixture.

