By Dale Budge
The Franklin Bulls have opened life in Pukekohe and their 2021 New Zealand Basketball League season with a last minute 99-96 loss to the Auckland Huskies in a thrilling contest.
The two Auckland sides duked it out throughout the match in a see-sawing contest that saw the home side grab the early initiative in the first quarter, fall behind by double digits in the second and then fight their way back to lead at the three-quarter mark.
Huskies point guard Jeremy Kendle hit a game-winning three-pointer with less than 20 seconds on the clock to put the visitors in front. His game-high 32 points carrying the Huskies.
Bulls star import Josh Selby’s last-play three-point attempt bounced off the rim but he showcased his undoubted talent just 48 hours after getting out of quarantine.
“It was a great experience,” Selby told Counties Sports Hub. “Unfortunately, we didn’t come away with the win like we wanted to but we will get better day by day.
“We have a great fan base; we have got a team that likes to run so I’m happy to be here.
“It was a hard-fought fight. Kudos to the other team for coming out here and playing hard and getting the win.”
The former NBA star did not disappoint – pouring in 26 points, six rebounds and a pair of assists in a quality showing.
Jaylen Gerrand hit 18 points and guard Joseph Nunag had 14 points off the bench while Denhym Brooke added 16 points and six boards to give the Bulls some impetus at both ends of the floor.
The locals showed up to support their team in the first NBL game ever played in Pukekohe, with close to a capacity crowd on hand to watch them in a first-up thriller.
The Bulls are back in action in Pukekohe next Saturday when they face the Manawatu Jets at Franklin Pool & Leisure Centre.
Recent Comments