That was five of their top eight players and they didn’t have the depth to cover their absence, especially in the forwards, as the Temara brothers, Daniels and McKinlay were all the Jets’ big men. McKinlay dislocated his knee and Shane Temara badly sprained his ankle in the first-round game against the Saints. Temara’s appendix later burst and he required two operations. He should be out of hospital in the next week. Coach Tim McTamney bemoaned the injury toll. “The schedule to start the season really hurt us. We came right and started playing very well. Then of course that Saints game – two major injuries in the first half and after that an injury every week from then.
“Mother nature doesn’t want to play ball with us unfortunately,” he said. “We hope everyone throughout the region stays safe and looks after each other.” Taranaki Mountainairs Facebook page shared BBNZ’s statement and said it hoped the season wouldn’t come to this. “But sometimes, we don’t have a choice,” it said. “We apologise to all our supporters and partners for not being able to play our final home game.” The post went on to thank supporters this season. Nelson said neither of the cancelled games impacts on the final four and there is no time to reschedule because the finals are played later in the week.
12:22, Jul 12 2021
PHOTOSPORT
Jayden Bezzant was in top scoring form against the Wellington Saints on Saturday. PHOTOSPORT
BASKETBALL: The Wellington Saints have already booked their ticket to the NBL final four, but they are now just one win away from locking in the top spot after scoring an impressive 103-80 win over the Manawatū Jets. The Jets showed some good signs early and really came out in an attacking frame of mind in the game at the Arena on Saturday night, but it didn t take long for the visiting Saints to find their groove, and their stroke from beyond the arc.
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The Saints and Hawks will be particularly tough, but Manawatū have shown in their win over the Canterbury Rams last week and in parts of the loss to the Huskies, they haven’t given up yet. They could upset a couple of the teams they still have to play to give themselves more confidence after a tough season. Having made a slow start against the Huskies on Sunday, they roared back into the game, closing the gap to 37-35 at halftime and led 46-39 after the break. Both teams went on runs and it was level until midway through the fourth quarter. But the Jets missed a couple of shots at the end and let the Huskies get away on them.