When the regular season wrapped up, there was one nagging thought in the back of our minds: We never got the Airs.

Across two seasons, we’d registered wins over every other team in the Sal’s NBL—except one. The Taranaki Airs. They had been the final piece of the puzzle, the one team that had always had our number.

So when the cards fell just right and the Eliminator Final handed us a showdown with the Airs—on the biggest stage yet—it felt like fate. A chance to not only advance in the playoffs, but to rewrite the one unfinished chapter in our short history.

And rewrite it we did.

A Game of Want and Will

From the opening tip, it was clear: our team wanted this more. The hunger, the urgency, the trust—it was on display at every position. Every player brought intensity. Every possession had purpose. Our wāhine toa had shown the blueprint last season, and now it was the men’s turn to announce themselves on the national stage.

Behind the scenes, our coaching staff had drawn up a plan that dissected the Airs' strengths and exposed their vulnerabilities. On the court, our players executed that plan with discipline, unity, and fire. The result: a commanding 83–67 win that not only sent shockwaves through the league—but finally crossed that last name off the list.

Into the Semi-Finals—Year Two

To be heading into a semi-final in just our second season in the league is something we don’t take lightly. This is the product of tireless work—on and off the court—from a group of people committed to building something special in Tauranga Moana. From our players and staff to our fans and sponsors, this moment belongs to all of us.

But we’re not done.

Next Stop: Wellington

The journey continues this Sunday as we take on the Wellington Saints in the semi-finals. It’s a new challenge. A new arena. A new opportunity.

And you better believe—we’re coming in hungry.