HBS Bank Hawks Down Saints
Wellington Saints’ (5-5) road woes continue as they have been comprehensively beaten by last year’s runners up HBS Bank Hawks (9-1) 97-80.
Hawks got off to a flying start thanks to veteran Galen Young who seems to step up when playing Wellington. Young scored 16 of his 21 in the first half as the Bay had a 47-32.
Wellington closed within six in the third, but it took its toll on the visitors in particular Jason Crowe who played the whole game.
The Bay put on a show in the final quarter outscoring the Saints 35-26, to seal their ninth win of the season, which pretty much seals a play off berth already.
Everard Bartlett is proving to be a franchise player, leading the Hawks with 24 points, while Paora Winitana had 14 points and 12 rebounds.
Winitana also did a great job on American Ernest Scott who was held to four points (2/10 FG).
Casey Frank had a game high 27 points, but as a team the Saints shot dreadfully from three point range (5/29, 17%).
Hawks coach Paul Henare will be extremely please with his side as they shot 58% from the field, 45% from the three point line and 92% from the charity stripe.
Saints coach Pero Cameron will be worried on the other hand, as they now return to Wellington to play the Telecom Business Hub Jets (3-4) in a must win.
Tonight the James Blond Auckland Pirates (7-2) will look to keep in the race for the regular season title as they host the struggling LZ Harbour Heat.
Wednesday, April 25
At Pettigrew Green Arena, Taradale
HBS Bank Hawks 97 (Everard Bartlett 24, Galen Young 21, Paora Winitana 14) Wellington Saints 80 (Casey Frank 27, Jason Crowe 22), Final
Referees – Dallas Pickering, Sean Cronin, Gareth Tehan
1Q: 22-18
HT: 47-32 (25-14)
3Q: 62-54 (15-22)
FT: 97-80 (35-26)
Fiba Live Stats
Hawks v Saints Box Score
At Trafalgar Centre, Nelson
Fico Finance Nelson Giants 72 (Pete Campbell 19, Michael Harrison 11, Phill Jones 11) The Good Home Taranaki Mountain Airs 75 (Darryl Hudson 25, Chris Daniel 16, Jack Leasure 11, Link Abrams 11), Final
Referees – Melony Wealleans, Yalla Edwards, Bren O’Hagan
1Q: 14-20
HT: 36-33 (22-13)
3Q: 51-54 (15-21)
FT: 72-75 (21-21)
Fiba Live Stats
Giants v Airs Box Score
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