Harbour Heat continued their unbeaten start to the Bartercard National Basketball League with a fourth consecutive victory, this time a commanding 105 – 73 over the winless Manawatu Jets at AUT on Auckland’s North Shore.

The Heat might have gone into the game as clear favourites but it was the Manawatu Jets who played with more energy and commitment in the opening minutes, holding their more fancied opponents to a three point lead at the break. But that was about as close as the gallant but ultimately outclassed Jets would get with all flights grounded in the second half – that is unless you were flying Harbour Heat as the home side left the Jets in their wash.

The second half was a different show altogether with the Heat upgrading during the interval, perhaps courtesy of some harsh words from Head Coach Judd Flavell. Second half shooting stats were at an impressive 62.8% as Corey Webster and BJ Anthony lit up the AUT in front of a near sell out crowd, Webster finishing with 28 points and six steals to complement his offensive prowess. Anthony recovered from early foul trouble to help inspire the Heat’s second half performance with 14 points and 6 boards.

Rick RIckert once again dominated the paint, his double double of 21 points and 10 rebounds achieved in just 29 minutes of court time, backing up his Bartercard NBL Player of the Week award last week. Dillon Boucher was his usual annoying self at both ends of the court, finishing just shy of his own double double with 10 boards and a game high 9 assists. Boucher received a rousing reception before the game when he was presented with his ANBL Best Defensive Man Award by Burger King Breakers Head Coach Andrej Lemanis.

For the visitors Richard Jeter led all scorers with 30 points in a losing effort but was too often distracted by referee’s calls and the scoreboard while Kaine Hokianga never gave up the chase in posting 16 points. But the Jets failed to match the Heat in the paint and were simply outclassed by the offensive power at the Heat’s disposal. If it wasn’t Webster it was Franklin making the big play and the bigs once again got great support from the evergreen Daryl Cartwright and impressive Reece Cassidy.

The performance may have been scratchy at times but the win continues the Heat’s strongest ever start to a National League season and sets them up nicely for a huge clash with title contenders Nelson Giants at the North Shore Events Centre next Thursday night. Perhaps the most comforting news for coach Flavell was the contribution of the bench with 25 points and plenty of energy at both ends of the court.

Harbour Heat 105

Corey Webster 28 points, Rick Rickert 21, Kavossy Franklin 15, BJ Anthony 14

McDonald’s Manawatu Jets 73

Richard Jeter 30, Kaine Hokianga 16

Box Score and further details at www.basketball.org.nz

Next home game:

Bartercard National Basketball League

Harbour Heat v Nelson Giants

North Shore Events Centre

Thursday 1^st April

7pm tip off

7pm tip off