Basketball: Additional flying time draining for Hawks as Sharks prevail

Hawks co-captain Everard Bartlett started the first half with a hiss and a roar before fading in the second half. PHOTO/FILE

Fatigue from five hours of flying the previous day was a key factor in the Bay Hawks loss to Southland in tonight's NBL encounter in Invercargill.

Flying via Christchurch from Hawke's Bay, the Taylor Corp Hawks were nearing Invercargill yesterday when they were sent back to Christchurch because of fog, which meant they had to return to Invercargill today, arriving there at 2pm.

"We only scored nine points in the fourth quarter. If we had scored 22 like we did in the third, we would have won. Consistency will be our biggest work-on when we take on the Rangers," Hawks coach Ben Hill said referring to Saturday night's match at the Pettigrew-Green Arena, Taradale.

The Sharks fought back from a 19-point deficit to win. The Hawks led 21-19 after the first quarter, 50-38 at halftime and 72-62 after the third.

Guard and co-captain Everard Bartlett top-scored for the Hawks with 18 points.

"Everard had a good first half but disappeared in the second," Hill said.

Imported centre Amir Williams secured first-half rebounds for the Hawks and finished the game with 16 points. At halftime, the Hawks were 6/10 from three point range, with the Sharks 2/13.

The Sharks levelled the scores at 80-all with 3m 30s remaining. Aussie imports Nick Kay and Mitch Norton's free throws in the final two minutes gave the hosts the win.

Hill hoped poor weather conditions won't prevent the Hawks from flying out at 10am tomorrow so they can train for Saturday's game.

Scorers: SIT Fees Southland Sharks 86 (Nick Kay 16, Dedrone Raukawa 14, Mitch Norton 13) Taylor Corp Hawks 81 (Everard Bartlett 18, Amir Williams 16, Joshua Fox 12). HT: 38-50.