Basketball: Airs hold off in dying seconds to beat Bulls

Photo: John Velvin

Taane Samuel delivered when it mattered most, draining a clutch late three to lift the Taranaki Airs to a dramatic 91-90 win over the Franklin Bulls in their Sal’s NBL clash.

With the scores locked inside the final minute, Samuel stepped up from long range to give the Airs the edge, before the Bulls failed to convert on their final possession as Taranaki held on for a tense home victory.

The result capped a strong return for the Airs, who looked sharp early after a week to reset. They surged out to a 26-15 lead at the end of the first quarter, capitalising on a Franklin side showing signs of fatigue after a tough earlier outing.

But the Bulls worked their way back into the contest through the middle stages, with their imports leading the charge. A 25-21 second quarter cut into the deficit, before Jace Carter produced a standout third period, scoring and creating to keep the visitors within striking distance.

That set up a gripping final quarter, with both sides trading baskets and the margin hovering between six and eight points before Franklin surged late to tie the game.

Samuel’s composed finish ultimately proved the difference, sealing a one-point win in front of the home fans.

Aaron Cook Jr was instrumental for the Airs, finishing with 18 points and 12 assists, while Samuel and Luka Vea added 15 points apiece. For the Bulls, Derrin Boyd led all scorers with 27 points, with Carter contributing 24 and Carter Whitt adding 15.

It wasn’t all smooth sailing for the home side, with the Airs earlier going down 40-28 to the Bulls in the Rapid League curtain-raiser.

The Airs now turn their attention to a tough road assignment, travelling to the capital on Thursday to face the Wellington Saints.