When the game was in the balance, McKinlay hit a three pointer, grabbed an important rebound at his end, then nailed another three to put the Jets up 79-75 with five minutes to go.
“I'm starting to feel more comfortable. I wanted to prove to people I can shoot and I belong here.”
He also had seven steals for the match, including a couple of important ones at the death, to go with his 15 points and seven rebounds. Taranaki had been threatening, but turnovers proved costly.
McKinlay said coach Tim McTamney had given him more game time and he wanted to perform.