Nuggets suffer first loss

• Published date: 19 April 2024
• Publication title: Sports Tab

The Otago Nuggets had their unbeaten run snapped after going down 105-71 against the Franklin Bulls last night

It was a tough night for the Nuggets, but it was the second half that hurt them the most at the Franklin Pool and Leisure Centre.

It was a statement performance from the Bulls — all of their starting five finished on double digits — who have now jumped ahead of the Nuggets on the ladder, and are the only unbeaten team remaining.

Kimani Lawrence carried a huge work load for the Nuggets. He finished with 26 points and nine rebounds.

Ben Henshall also picked up a double-double with 18-points and 11 rebounds.

But the Nuggets really grappled to make things fall from deep, only banking five from 31 beyond the arch.

Darcy Knox joined the Nuggets starting five in the place of Tai Webster, who was suspended.

Coming up against his old side, Bulls centre Sam Timmins got his new team’s first points of the game.

He had an intriguing match-up against Nuggets centre Jack Andrew in the middle.

Andrew tipped the ball back in court to Lawrence, who finished with a nice bucket.

But the Bulls had a string of steals and put the Nuggets under pressure to pull away.

Bulls captain Ethan Rusbatch was unstoppable beyond the arch, and helped his side to a 29-20 lead at the first quarter.

He picked up where he left off in the second. The Bulls swung the ball to find Rusbatch wide...