It is the first time the Nuggets (11-1) will feature in the post season since 1997 and, based on last night's effort, there is every reason to think they could actually win their first title.
The game against the Jets was a rematch from the game a week earlier in Dunedin and felt very much like a rerun. Once again the Nuggets got off to a cracking start.
The visitors led 39-20 at the first break after Akeem Wright found his range immediately.
But the Jets responded with a superb second half and got back into a position to win the match with three minutes remaining.
''We knew the Jets would come back at us,'' Nuggets coach Alf Arlidge said.
''That is the story of their whole season. They can go on a run but they struggle to put more than two quarters together. But they are a good side and we had to work hard.
''But this team finds ways to win and finds ways to make it work when things get tight.''
Wright was outstanding with 25 points in the first half and finished with a game-high 33 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals.
Unbelievably, he did not miss a single shot in the first half and has consolidated his position as the competition's leading scorer.
BJ Anthony, who is pushing Wright hard for the scoring title, was also impressive with 28 points and eight rebounds. Antoine Tisby scored 21 points and grabbed 10 rebounds.
Speedy guard Chris Hagan top-scored for the Jets with 28 points and Marcel Jones was not far behind with 27 points. Centre Nick Horvath grabbed seven rebounds and scored 21 points.
The Nuggets play the Nelson Giants in Nelson tonight.
BL: The scores
Otago Nuggets ... 110
Akeem Wright 33, BJ Anthony 28, Antoine Tisby 21
Manawatu Jets ... 102
Chris Hagan 28, Marcel Jones 27, Nick Horvath 21
Quarter scores: 1st 39-20, 2nd 66-44, 3rd 92-77
