The Taylor Hawks inch closer to securing a playoff spot with a 92-68 win over the 2 Cheap Cars Supercity Rangers.
Seven Hawks players would at least reach double digit points, and were led by veteran, Everard Bartlett, who scored 15 for the home side who move to 9-6. The Hawks need only one more win or for the Rams to drop one to clinch their first playoff berth since 2014.
The final score was not indicative of the whole game as the Hawks did have to fight off the Rangers for the first three quarters.
The Rangers trailed by double-digits early on, but made a run in the second quarter to get within four. A three by Bartlett to end the half would push the Hawks lead back up to seven
Both teams struggled in the third quarter, the Hawks edging the Rangers 16-13. In the fourth the Hawks would finally break the Rangers outscoring them 32-18. The Hawks bench played an important role tonight with 41 points.
It was another tough loss the last placed Rangers who drop to 2-14. Marcel Jones didn’t have a great shooting night but showed effort for his 24 points and 18 rebounds. Dominque Kelman-Poto added 20 points, and Lindsay Tait battled his way to 11.
The Rangers will now travel to Dillon Boucher’s hometown New Plymouth where they will play the Augusta Mountainairs tomorrow night. The Hawks will have a couple of days rest before they host league leading scorer, Dashon Knight, and the Go Media Jets on Sunday afternoon.
No doubt the Hawks will be following the Wheeler Motor Rams who will try to keep their slim playoff hopes alive when they play on the road to the SIT Zerofees Sharks tomorrow.
Live Streamed games available at NZNBL.basketball website, maoritelevision.com, tab.co.nz or at @NZNBL facebook page.
Week 13: Thursday, July 19
At Pettigrew Green Arena, Napier
Taylor Hawks 92 (Everard Bartlett 15, Jarrod Kenny 12, Angus Brandt 11)
2 Cheap Cars Supercity Rangers 68 (Marcel Jones 24, Dominique Kelman-Poto 20, Lindsay Tait 11)
Live Stats
Upcoming Games
Friday, July 20
At ILT Stadium, Invercargill
SIT Zerofees Sharks v The Wheeler Motor Canterbury Rams, 7pm (Live Streamed)
Live Stats
At TSB Stadium, New Plymouth
Augusta Mountainairs v 2 Cheap Cars Supercity Ramgers, 7pm
Live Stats
Saturday, July 21
At Trafalgar Cantre, Nelson
Mike Pero Nelson Giants v Cigna Saints, 7pm (Live Streamed)
Live Stats
Sunday, July 22
At Pettigrew Green Arena, Napier
Taylor Hawks v Go Media Jets, 3pm (Live Streamed)
Live Stats
Photo: www.photosport.nz
