An incredible final quarter surge from the Harbour Heat fell just short as the North Shore based side lost their 5^th game in 6 in the Bartercard National Basketball League tonight, going down 102-97 against the 0800 Easy LPG Hawks.

In a game that came to life only in fits and starts, the visiting Hawks held on in the dying seconds as Corey Webster threatened to take the game away from the Shawn Dennis coached side.

The opening quarter was defined by turnovers and missed opportunities for the Heat as they struggled to find any rhythm, allowing the Hawks to lead by 9 on the back of a flawless shooting display from import Josh Pace who went 7 from 7 from the floor in the first half.

The Heat did close with a burst of scoring from Webster and two quick technical fouls called on the Hawks bench, bringing the score back to a two point deficit at the break.

For the second half read the above script for the first. The Heat got close but could never quite stay with the Hawks. Every time the visitors appeared in trouble up would step Chris Daniel or Ben Hill with a three or Pace with a trade mark jumper and away the Hawks would go again.

With time almost up on the clock, the Heat finally found an edge and again it was Webster leading the way with a brace of threes to close the gap to one point with 18 seconds to play. Hill was cool from the line though, as was Everard Bartlett and the Heat were beaten.

Judd Flavell’s side now hit the road for a southern double against Southland and Otago, knowing that two wins are a minimum if the early season pace setters are to earn a home play off berth.

Harbour Heat 97

C Webster 40, R Rickert 20, BJ Anthony 13

0800 Easy LPG Hawks 102

J Pace 38,  C Daniel 22, B Hill 14

Box score at www.basketball.org.nz