Ken Tuffin made true to his promise, bouncing back and helping Taranaki take a 99-90 victory over Franklin to advance to the 2020 Sal’s NZ-NBL Showdown at the Trust Arena, Wednesday.
After going scoreless against Franklin during the last elims game, Tuffin had nine points in a solid two-way outing.
“It was just a physical game. It’s the playoffs, so that’s to be expected,” said Tuffin, who suffered a hit midway through the third canto.
“I’m just happy that we came away with the win as a team and we’re looking forward to tomorrow’s game.”
But it was Marcel Jones who proved to be the hero for the Mountainairs.
Jones had 31 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, and two blocks. And in the game-breaking 24-8 third quarter run, he dropped 11 points, while Tuffin’s triple gave Taranaki a 72-62 lead.
Point guard Derone Raukawa then took the cudgels in the final frame, finishing with 28 points, seven assists, seven rebounds, and three steals.
Dominique Kelman-Poto paced the Bulls with 31 points
Up next for Taranaki is the Manawatu Jets in the KO semis on Thursday, still to be aired over at SMART Sports’ Facebook page at 3:30pm.
“It’s win or go home. We have to look after our bodies tonight, prepare for tomorrow, watch some scouting videos from the other team and we’ll be okay,” said Tuffin.
