The Zero Fees Southland Sharks have kept their season alive, handing the HBS Bank Hawks their first loss of the season. Kevin Braswell leading the Sharks with a season high 36 in the 102-87 win.

You couldn’t ask for a better performance from the Sharks who won every quarter, which included closing out the fourth 33-23 against the Hawks who are the best defensive team in the league.

Guard Dan Peck had his best outing of the season with a season high 21 points, while Craig Bradshaw added an efficient 19 (7/9 FG, 3/3 3pt).

After defeating the Nuggets the previous night, the Hawks could not back it up shooting 40% from the field compared to Southland’s 52%.

The home side would also run hot from three point ranges converting 12/25 from the field (48%).

Overall it was a tight game, even though the Sharks led for the majority of the contest. Sharks would only lead by three at the half and five going into the final period.

Sharks did have an eleven point lead in the third, but the Hawks would go on a 16-5 run, thanks to Paora Winitana who scored eight of them to tie the scores at 64 apiece.

A three by Bradshaw in the last possession of the period, gave the Sharks some breathing space leading 69-64 after three quarters.

In the fourth the Hawks could not find an answer for Braswell who closed the quarter with 13 points to seal win number three for the season.

Everard Bartlett and Winitana carried the Hawks offensively, combining for 51 points. Bartlett scoring a season high 33, while Winitana also had his best output in 2012 with 28.

But the Hawks had little output from anyone else. In particular their other main scorers Kareem Johnson and Jarrod Kenny were held to a combined seven points shooting 3/22 from the field.

Hawks (7-1) still remain at the top of the table, but are only one game ahead of the James Blond Auckland Pirates. They will return home where they play their next three games, which starts with the LZ Harbour Heat (2-6).

Sharks (3-6) will have to bring that same sort of effort next Saturday when they host the Wellington Saints (5-3) who are on a four game winning streak.

Saturday, April 14

At Southland Stadium (Velodrome), Invercargill

Zero Fees Southland Sharks 102 HBS Bank Hawks 87, Final

Referees – Gavin Whiu, Raelene Forde, Brendan Hodgson
1Q: 21-20
HT: 47-44 (26-24)
3Q: 69-64 (22-20)
FT: 102-847 (33-23)
Fiba Live Stats
Sharks v Hawks Box Score

At Arena Manawatu, Palmerston North

Telecom Business Hub Jets 71 Fico Finance Nelson Giants 77, Final

Referees – Melony Wealleans, Shane Nikora, Nick Naylor
1Q: 20-18
HT: 37-36 (17-18)
3Q: 54-62 (27-26)
FT: 71-77 (17-15)
Fiba Live Stats
Jets v Giants Box Score