The Harbour Heat Reserves maintained top spot in the CBL Zone 1, overcoming a plucky West Auckland 99-72.


West Auckland grabbed the early momentum leading 12-11 after five minutes but the Heat wrestled back the initiative to take a quarter time lead 22-18 which had been extended to eight points, 48-40 by the main break.

West Auckland needing a win to secure a top four play off spot were still in the hunt at three quarter time trailing by eleven 70-59 thanks largely to the efforts of Matt Yukich and Nigel Mahakitau. However the experience of the Heat, five of the squad boasting NBL experience, prevailed in the final period as they ran away with the quarter 29-13. Dan Ryan led the way with a triple double for the Heat, 17 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists and Michael Dawson once again had a solid game registering 21 points and 14 rebounds.

The final round of games next week will determine the top four placings. AUT and HarbourHeat Reserves are battling to sort out the top two places as Auckland Rivets and Northside jostle for the final play off spot alongside the Breakers Academy. (Mike Lacey)

Results

Harbour Heat Reserves 99 (Michael Dawson 21, Hayden Allen 21, Zac Fitzgerald 20, Dan Ryan 17) Beat West Auckland 72 (Nigel Mahakitau 18, Matt Yukich 16)

Other Round 13 results;

AUT 89 (Josh Tuaiti 28, Jarrod Kenny 15, Jeremiah Makavilitogia 15) Beat Auckland Rivets 76 (Nikola Lakatus 26, Duncan Smith 15)

Northside 87 (Warrick Siddall 19, Campbell Ross 15, Tyler Kerlin 15) beat Unitec/Waitakere 72 (Adam McCready 18, Matt Forsyth 16, Sefo Leusogiape12)