Match Summary

The Wellington Saints put on a commanding performance on May 10, 2026, crushing the Franklin Bulls 126–88 in a New Zealand National Basketball League showdown. The home side's offensive firepower was on full display at the TSB Bank Arena, as they raced to a 38-point victory that underscored their championship credentials. The Bulls, despite flashes of resilience, had no answer for the Saints' relentless pace and precision shooting.

First Half Dominance

From the opening tip, Wellington seized control with a 12–2 run, capitalizing on fast-break opportunities and crisp ball movement. The Saints' defensive pressure forced five turnovers in the first quarter alone, converting them into easy transition baskets. By halftime, the lead had ballooned to 68–44, with Wellington shooting an impressive 58% from the field. Franklin Bulls struggled to contain the Saints' pick-and-roll, allowing open looks from mid-range and beyond the arc.

Second Half Surge

After the break, Wellington continued its onslaught. A 15–3 spurt to open the third quarter effectively put the game out of reach, with the lead stretching past 30 points. The Saints' bench contributed heavily, with reserves adding 42 points and maintaining the high tempo. Franklin Bulls made a brief push in the fourth quarter, cutting the deficit to 24, but a pair of three-pointers from Wellington quickly extinguished any comeback hopes. The final scoreline of 126–88 reflected a complete team effort from the home side.

Key Performers

• Wellington Saints: Guard Liam McAlister led all scorers with 31 points on 12-of-16 shooting, including 5-of-7 from three-point range. Forward Tom Murray added a double-double with 22 points and 14 rebounds, while point guard Rex Gibson dished out 11 assists.
• Franklin Bulls: Samuela Tui paced the visitors with 24 points and 7 rebounds, but received limited support from the rest of the lineup. Center Jordan Hika contributed 16 points and 9 boards in a losing effort.

Standings Impact

The victory improved the Wellington Saints' record to 9–2, keeping them firmly in the top two of the New Zealand National Basketball League standings. Their average margin of victory now sits at 14.3 points per game, the best in the competition. For the Franklin Bulls, the loss dropped them to 5–6, placing them in a tight mid-table battle for playoff positioning. With the regular season entering its second half, both teams will look to adjust—Wellington aiming to secure home-court advantage, while Franklin seeks to shore up its defensive rotations.

This emphatic win serves as a statement from the Saints, who continue to display the depth and cohesion that make them a formidable title contender in the NZNBL.