Basketball: Airs left with mountain to climb after Jets dominate

Photo by John Velvin

The Taranaki Airs' playoff hopes took another hit on Friday night after slumping to an 89-77 loss against the Manawatū Jets in New Plymouth.

The visitors, boosted by the season debut of Tall Blacks guard Tai Webster alongside brother Corey Webster, seized control early and never relinquished it, handing the Airs another frustrating defeat in front of their home fans.

The game was effectively decided in a disastrous opening quarter for Taranaki. The Jets raced out to a 29-8 lead, with the Webster brothers combining to outscore the entire Airs team in the opening 10 minutes.

To their credit, the Airs responded in the second period. A 14-point burst, coupled with a five-minute scoring drought from Manawatū, dragged the home side back into contention and briefly reignited hopes of a comeback.

However, every time Taranaki threatened, the Jets found an answer.

Tai Webster showed why he remains one of New Zealand basketball's premier players, controlling the tempo and shooting at an impressive 77 per cent from the field. He combined effectively with American import Jamal Poplar Jr, whose dominant double-double helped Manawatū rebuild its advantage.

The Jets stretched the margin back out to 23 points during the second half and comfortably closed out the contest to continue their climb up the Sal's NBL ladder.

James Moors led the Airs with a double-double of 20 points and 11 rebounds, while Aaron Cook Jr finished with 13 points, 11 assists and four steals. Marcel Jones added 15 points and six rebounds.

For the Jets, Poplar Jr produced 23 points and 14 rebounds, while Tai Webster contributed 16 points, six assists and four rebounds. Kazlo Evans Jr added 18 points and finished with a game-best plus-minus of +37.

Rapid League winning streak continues

There was better news earlier in the evening as the Taranaki Airs Rapid League side extended its winning streak with a 34-28 victory over the Cook Street Manawatū Jets.

After opening the season with seven straight losses, the return of experienced pair Luka Vea and Quintin Bailey has helped transform the side's fortunes.

The Jets threatened to halt Taranaki's momentum early, but Riley Tuuta took control of the game, pouring in 15 points to lead the Airs to their third consecutive victory.

Tuuta also collected six rebounds, three assists and three steals, while Vea added eight points and three rebounds.

Boston Caldwell scored 14 points for the Jets, while Christian McDaniel pulled down 14 rebounds.

Taranaki hosts the Auckland Tuatara on June 6 at the TSB Stadium.