The Taranaki Mountainairs held off the Whai for a 95-90 victory in the New Zealand National Basketball League on April 26, 2025. In an entertaining and high-scoring NBL NZ contest, the Mountainairs made key plays down the stretch to secure a five-point home win. Whai kept the game close throughout, matching Taranaki's intensity and even holding a brief lead in the third quarter. The fourth quarter turned into a back-and-forth affair, with the score tied multiple times in the final five minutes. The Mountainairs' veteran leadership proved decisive, as they executed a perfect set play out of a timeout for an easy layup and then forced a critical turnover on the ensuing possession. Whai had a chance to tie with a three in the final seconds, but the shot rimmed out, allowing Taranaki to ice the game from the line. This 95-90 win was vital for the Mountainairs' playoff hopes in a competitive league.