HBS Bank Hawks are the team to beat thrashing The Good Home Taranaki Mountain Airs 94-67 at the Pettigrew Green Arena

In the absence of Paora Winitana (Religious Beliefs), point guard Jarrod Kenny stepped up offensively with a game high twenty one points making 4/5 from long range. Kareem Johnson added his third double double in a row with 13 points and 12 rebounds.

Off the bench Ben Hill had a season high 14 points, while rookie Alonzo Burton continues his impressive run adding 12.

Hawks had a slim four point lead at the half, but made their run in the third period winning it 29-12. The home side not letting up in the final period as they would hold Taranaki to only 28 points in the second half.

Airs shot a woeful 36% from the field compared to the Hawks who shot nearly 60% and also 50% from the three point line.

Jack Leasure was the best of the Airs with 20 points, shooting 8/15. But the majority of the Air’s team shot poorly, the next best scorer Darryl Hudson who scored 15, shooting 6/18.

Apart from dominating the Airs in shooting percentages the Hawks doubled them in assists (28-14) and managed to out rebound Taranaki 35-31.

Hawks now move to the top of the table outright at three wins and no losses. Both teams will have a break in Round Three and then will play each other again in New Plymouth on March 23.

Sunday, March 11

At Pettigrew Green Arena, Taradale

HBS Bank Hawks 94 (Jarrod Kenny 21, Ben Hill 14, Kareem Johnson 13, Alonzo Burton 12) The Good Home Taranaki Mountain Airs 67 Jack Leasure 20, Darryl Hudson 15, Chris Daniel 10), Final

Referees – Gavin Whiu, Shane Nikora, Apai Apai
1Q: 19-15
HT: 43-39 (24-24)
3Q: 72-51 (29-12)
FT: 94-67 (22-16)
Fiba Live Stats
Hawks v Airs Box Score