Basketball: Predictable round gives Hawks lead

By PETER JESSUP

The Hawkes Bay Hawks have the lead in the national league after a round that was for once predictable. Harbour Heat face a big ask at home next weekend against Waikato Titans.

The Manawatu Jets have lost American import Anthony Lever, who broke a bone in his foot in the 77-91 loss to the Hawks. They host Nelson Giants next Saturday, the Giants backing up from Hawkes Bay on Friday night.

Nelson also have 12 points but have played and lost one more game than Hawkes Bay. They went home one-from-two in Auckland, the 112-79 thrashing of Harbour followed by a tough 85-94 loss to the Auckland Stars. Coach Nenad Vucinic was ejected in the last quarter.

Casey Frank scored 22 and had 17 rebounds, Lindsay Tait had 20, while import Darnell McCulloch shot 19 and Phill Jones 16 for the Giants.

Auckland have played nine games for a five-four record, and face improving Taranaki Mountain Airs away next weekend.

The Airs forced Canterbury Rams to their second consecutive home loss in overtime since Pete McAllister took over as Rams coach. Willie Banks hit a field-goal with eight seconds to go in overtime to steer an 82-81 win. Banks top-scored with 26, 10 of 14 from the field as he beat an inexperienced Rams back-court. Link Abrams scored 13 and pulled in 16 rebounds, Mike Tompson 11 and 10 boards.