Basketball: Olsen helps Stars beat Hawks

Auckland guard Aaron Olsen spearheaded his side to a gripping 86-78 win over Hawke's Bay in their National Basketball League match in Napier tonight.

Olsen hit nine from 14 from the floor (including three three-pointers) and four from four from the free throw line for a 25-point haul as the Stars went 3-3 in the 2003 NBL.

He also made four rebounds and three assists in a strong allround game which saw the visitors ahead 17-16 after the first quarter, 40-37 at halftime and 61-59 at three-quarter time.

The Mighty Hawks grabbed the lead in a frantic final quarter only to lose composure as Auckland scored nine unanswered points to take a crucial eight-point lead.

Import Casey Franks was also outstanding in a physical game for the Stars with 22 points and 11 rebounds.

Kiwi-born former Australian junior representative Adrian Majstrovich top scored with 26 points and also hauled down 10 rebounds for the Hawks, while Australian import Pero Majstrovich scored 22 points and made 14 rebounds. It was, however, a frustrating night for the home side with numerous shots rimming out.

Auckland 86 (Aaron Olsen 25, Casey Frank 22, Lindsay Tait 12) beat Hawke's Bay 78 (Adrian Majstrovich 26, Pero Vasiljevic 22, Paul Henare 14, Paora Winitana 12). HT: 40-37.

- HAWKE'S BAY TODAY