Joseph Nunag and Franklin were stifled by Nelson in the 2021 Sal’s NZ-NBL Season, bowing 94-107 at their home floor in Franklin Pool and Leisure Centre, Saturday afternoon.
Nunag, who was averaging 16.0 points in their first three games, was limited to just nine points on six attempts.
Franklin was down by 22 points, 57-79, midway through the third canto. But Josh Selby, Zane Waterman, and Denhym Brooke rallied the Bulls back, cutting the lead down to three, 88-91, with 5:03 left in the game.
The Giants though went on a furious 26-5 endgame spurt to even Franklin’s slate to 2-2 while notching their first win in two games.
Selby played all 40 minutes in the contest, finishing with 36 points on six triples and 11 free throws. Waterman added 20 points and 14 boards.
All five starters of the Giants finished in double-figures with Hunter Hale leading the way with 26 points along with nine rebounds, nine assists, and five steals. Donte Ingram had 19 points and 10 boards while Thomas Ingham and Anzac Rissetto chipped in 15 and 14 markers, respectively.
Up next for Franklin are the Southland Sharks on Friday.