IN the second game of Sunday’s New Zealand National Basketball League (NZNBL) double-header, the Franklin Bulls produced a dominant win over the Canterbury Rams. They locked horns at Cowles Stadium, in a matchup between two evenly matched sides.

Both clubs had enjoyed similar starts to the year, and it was shaping as a crucial contest. Despite this, the game ended being a bit of a fizzer, with Franklin delivering a clinical outing on the road. It was an even start to the game, with the momentum swinging back and forth between the two sides.

However, the Bulls caught fire from behind the arc and managed to break away on the scoreboard. The Rams could not manage to overcome the deficit they faced, and ended up on the end of a 21-point defeat. The win sees the Bulls hold a record of four wins and four losses from eight outings, just one win behind the Rams, who are in danger of slipping down to sixth in the coming weeks.

Canterbury Rams (67) def. by Franklin Bulls (88)

The Bulls got off to a good start, grabbing an early five-point lead, but the Rams fought back in the remainder of the first term to make it just a two-point game at the first change of play. Quarter number two saw Franklin begin to fire from the field, particularly from downtown. The visitors were red-hot with ball in hand, and it was reflected in a fast double-digit lead on the scoreboard.

Canterbury tried to fight back, but could not stop the scoring power of the opposition. The Bulls led by nine points at half time, with plenty of momentum on their side. The same pattern continued into the second half, with Franklin rolling smoothly on the offensive end, with the Rams defence completely overwhelmed.

Things went from bad to worse when their own offence came to a complete stall, and trailed by 22 points heading into the final term. While it was a much more even affair heading in the last 10 minutes, the damage was already done and they could not produce the miracle comeback in time.

Corey Webster led the way on the offensive end for the winning side, pouring in a game-high 20 points. His performance was reflective of Franklin’s, firing from behind the arc and making five threes in the process.

Also impressive was Leon Henry, who recorded a massive double-double of 20 points, 18 rebounds and five assists. He also shot well from behind the arc, nailing six threes, the most of anyone in the game. Sunday Dech was Canterbury’s highest scorer with 15 points, as he continues to develop his game.