Basketball: Taranaki stuck in NBL cellar

The Taranaki Dynamos remain rooted to the bottom of the National Basketball League after blowing a handy lead before losing 93-82 to the Hawke's Bay Hawks in New Plymouth last night.

The Dynamos appeared ready to notch their first win in six matches when they led 46-34 at halftime.

However, that lead had turned into a two-point deficit after the Hawks won the third quarter 25-11 and the visitors powered clear over the final stanza courtesy of their superior depth.

Taranaki were powered by 31 points to Eric Viernesiel while Chris Daniel poured in 21 for the winners.

Hawke's Bay climb to third place, joining four other leading teams on four wins.

The Christchurch Cougars lead as they have played five games while the Wellington Saints, Hawks, Harbour Heat and Nelson Giants have all played six.

- NZPA