Indian Panthers stumble on home debut, go down against Franklin Bulls in Sal’s NBL

Indian internationals Aaron Blessen and Sejin Mathew made their debut for Indian Panthers in the league.

What was supposed to be a historic night ended in disappointment for the Indian Panthers, as they fell to the Franklin Bulls with a 14-point loss at Pulman Arena in Takanini, South Auckland. While the game was a milestone for Indian basketball—marking the first time two Indian-origin players started in a Sal’s NBL game—the Bulls controlled the tempo from the outset, forcing the Panthers into a relentless game of catch-up.

Despite flashes of promise, the visitors spoiled the moment, handing the Panthers a tough defeat in front of their home crowd and fans watching from India.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Indian Panthers (@indianpanthersofficial)

Despite a valiant effort from guards Alex Robinson and Jaylen Gerrand, the Panthers struggled to contain their opponents. The Bulls’ defence proved too much to handle, restricting them to 93 points and pulling off an upset on the Panthers’ home court.

In their first home game, the first half was a showcase of elite guard play, with Robinson—the skilled Texas-born guard—leading the charge with 17 first-half points. Meanwhile, the Bulls saw offensive production from Ruben Te Rangi, David Okwera, Till Gloger, Tae Hardy, and Payton Hughes, who accounted for 90% of their 54 first-half points.

In the second half, Jaylen Gerrand erupted for 23 points, finishing as the Panthers’ leading scorer with 29 points, while Leon Henry controlled the boards with 10 rebounds. Alex Robinson added 5 assists, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Bulls’ balanced attack.

For the Bulls, Ruben Te Rangi and Tae Hardy each scored 21 points, with Hardy also dishing out 9 assists. Marcel Jones dominated the paint with 11 rebounds, sealing the victory for the visitors.

The Franklin Bulls’ efficiency from the field and dominance on the glass proved decisive in their victory over the Indian Panthers. The Bulls shot 48% from the field (41/86) compared to the Panthers’ 43% (32/75), with a notable edge from beyond the arc at 42% (14/33) against the Panthers’ 35% (12/34).

Inside the paint, the Bulls maintained a slight advantage, converting 51% of their two-pointers (27/53) versus the Panthers’ 49% (20/41).

The rebounding battle was a key factor, with the Bulls outrebounding the Panthers 51-43, capitalizing on second-chance opportunities. Turnovers were relatively even, with the Panthers committing 14 to the Bulls’ 12, but the Bulls made better use of their possessions.

In the end, their superior efficiency and control of the boards sealed the Panthers’ fate, turning what could have been a historic night into a lesson for the games ahead.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Indian Panthers (@indianpanthersofficial)

While the defeat was a certain disappointment, the debut of Aaron Blessen and Sejin Mathew marked a milestone for Indian basketball, showcasing the growing talent pool and opportunities for Indian players in international leagues such as the Sal’s NBL. The game was a historic phase for Indian basketball as Aaron Blessen (Mumbai Titans, INBL Pro) and Sejin Mathew (Chennai Heat, INBL Pro) became the first Indian-origin players to debut in Sal’s NBL.

Blessen showcased his defensive presence, contesting shots and securing rebounds. He finished with 2 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 assist 1-4 FG in 21 minutes in his debut. While not a standout performance, it’s worth noting that both players arrived in Auckland less than 24 hours before tip-off, leaving them little time to prepare. Expect more from the Indian forward in the upcoming games as he settles in.

Also Read: InBL CEO Parveen Batish talks about league’s success, future plans & more ahead of InBL Pro U25 2025 final

Mathew, the high-flying forward from Kerala, had a tough start to his pro career in New Zealand. He checked out of the game after starting with 6:32 remaining in the first quarter but didn’t see any further action, finishing the game without affecting the game. Fans will be eager to see “Air Kerala” display his signature dunks and athletic scoring ability in their next game.

Result

• Final Score: Indian Panthers 93 – 107 Franklin Bulls
• Quarter Breakdown: Q1: 22-27 | Q2: 18-27 | Q3: 22-20 | Q4: 31-33

Off-court Drama

In what can only be described as a tumultuous beginning to their inaugural season, the Indian Panthers are already facing significant challenges both on and off the court. The franchise, which entered the Sal’s NBL with high hopes, has been hit with a series of setbacks, culminating in the sudden resignation of head coach Miles Pearce after just one game in charge.

Pearce’s departure comes on the heels of a disappointing 14-point loss to the Franklin Bulls in their first home game at Pulman Arena, a match that was supposed to mark a historic moment for Indian basketball.

Pearce, who was brought in to lead the Panthers through their debut season, stepped down under mysterious circumstances following a narrow defeat to the Hawke’s Bay Hawks in their season opener at the Rodney Green Arena. The front office, led by CEO Parveen Batish, has remained tight-lipped about the reasons behind Pearce’s abrupt exit, leaving fans and analysts speculating about the internal dynamics of the fledgling franchise.

In Pearce’s place, Australian Jonathan Goodman has been named interim head coach, tasked with steadying the ship amid what appears to be a growing list of challenges.

Looking ahead

The Indian Panthers will face the Manawatu Jets on March 23 at 11:00 AM IST (5:30 AM UTC) in their next Sal’s NBL matchup. The team will look to bounce back with improved defensive intensity and better execution in critical moments.

This game, despite the loss, serves as a stepping stone for the Panthers and a historic moment for Indian basketball on the global stage.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram