Basketball: Giants cruise to sixth win of NZ NBL season

Nelson Giants players Finn Delany and Jarrod Kenny during their NBL game against the Hawks. Photo / Photosport

The Nelson Giants have cruised to their sixth win of the season beating the Bay Hawks 107-83.

Nelson were led by Raymond Cowells who had 34 points, converting 6/12 three pointers. Finn Delany added a double-double of 14 points and 14 rebounds, and captain Sam Dempster scored a season high for the Giants who shot 41% from the outside.

After losing by 43 in Wellington the night before, the Hawks came out stronger in the first quarter only trailing 27-25. Nelson were able to extend this by 14 at halftime, and in the fourth quarter they would outscore the Hawks 27-8 to push their lead upwards to 34.

Kirsten Daly-Taylors side were sorely missing an import to help with the scoring, not to mention key locals Alonzo Burton and Darryl Jones. Veterans Kareem Johnson (20 points) and Paora Winitana (14 points) were the Hawks leaders, but the seventh straight loss would at this point put them out of the playoff race.

With six wins and two losses and with still six games to play at home the Giants are in a great position to claim a top four spot.

Round Five of the NBL concludes tomorrow when the Augusta Airs play at home to the James Blond Supercity Rangers.