Otago Nuggets 86 def Franklin Bulls 72

Edgar Centre

Box Score

2 July 2023

Summary

In their Inaugural #Nuggets4KidsCan Charity Match, the Otago Nuggets make it three on the trot after defeating a hot Franklin Bulls team at home.  

Despite the snow bucketing down outside, the passionate Nuggets fanbase packed into Edgar Centre in what was set to be a hot contest. 

The match certainly delivered, with a defensive battle in the first half, and some high-quality basketball on display in the second. 

The two sides couldn't be separated in the first, with each ending the quarter with 22 points. The term was the Michael Harris show, the shooting guard with 12 points on 5/7 from the field. 

The second was much of the same, both teams trading leads throughout with the defence on display from both teams at a very high standard. Harris continued to pile on the points, adding another 9 points to his tally to finish the half on 21. 

The game started to break for the Nuggets in the third, with the Nuggets opening the half on an 8-2 run and the team quickly putting some pressure on the scoreboard. 

Once the Nuggets got on this run they were unstoppable, packing on the points and running away 14 point winners. 

Tyrell Harrison was the oppositions best on return from injury, with 13 points and 7 rebounds. 

Michael Harris was locked in for the Nuggets, finishing with a career-high 35 points to go along with three steals. 

Todd Withers had 20 points, including some really timely buckets that helped the Nuggets pull away, as well as 2 steals and 1 block. 

Matt Bardsley was exceptional off the bench especially on the defensive end, with 6 points, 4 steals and 1 block.

Next Game

The run into finals is on with only two games remaining this regular season. The Nuggets will head to Nelson for their next match, taking on the Nelson Giants on Friday 7 July at Trafalgar Centre.