NZNBL 2024

NUGGETS GO DOWN TO BULLS

The Night ’n Day Otago Nuggets have suffered their first loss of the season in Thursday night’s top-of-the-table away clash against Franklin Bulls.

Both sides came into the blockbuster content with 3-0 records, but the Bulls were too strong on their home turf, prevailing 105-71.

Franklin had a handy buffer for the majority of the match before it blew out in the final term, outscoring the Nuggets 24-10.

American import Kimani Lawrence and Australian young gun Ben Henshall were Otago’s shining lights on an otherwise tough night.

Lawrence scored a game-high 26 points to go with nine rebounds and two steals, while Henshall (18 points, 10 rebounds and two steals) contributed a double-double.

Henshall and Lawrence combined for 18 of the Nuggets’ 20 first-quarter points and 31 in the opening half, but it was the home side leading comfortably at the main break 52-41.

Zaccheus Darko-Kelly (15 points and three rebounds) was the only other Nuggets player to reach double figures.

The Nuggets’ outside shooting cost them dearly, hitting just five of 31 attempts or a disappointing 16.1 per cent.

They also sorely missed the energy and play-making ability of star guard Tai Webster, who served his one-match suspension.

Webster will return for Otago’s home clash against reigning champs Canterbury Rams at Dunedin’s Edgar Centre on Thursday night in a massive boost for the team’s chances of going 4-1.

Former Nuggets big man Sam Timmins was a standout for the Bulls in his first game against his old team since switching during the off-season, finishing with 14 points, nine rebounds and four steals.