Basketball: Waikato hit back against Wellington

Reigning champions Waikato have wasted no time in avenging their most recent defeat in the National Basketball League.

Eight days after losing 86-100 to Wellington in the capital, Waikato last night overturned the same opponents 76-63 on their own home court at Hamilton's YMCA.

Waikato started strongly and did not relent, leading 40-29 by halftime and 61-40 with one quarter remaining.

Their best scorers were Justin Bailey with 19, Thomas Abercrombie 17 and Michael Fitchett 16, while Wellington struggled, with Lindsay Tait and Mike Efevberha both contributing 15 points.

The result left Waikato atop the table on 26 points after 13 rounds, two ahead of Nelson and four in front of Wellington.

Earlier, Nelson raised little sweat while beating Manawatu 94-72 in Palmerston North.

Nelson benefited from the presence of former international Phill Jones, who produced a game-high 26 points, two more than Marcel Jones, Manawatu's best.

In Christchurch, the home team could not make up for a slow start as Hawke's Bay prevailed 86-81.

Hawke's Bay were out of the blocks quickly to lead 23-15 at the first break before Christchurch gained momentum to win the second quarter 20-15.

The team tied the third period 24-24 and Hawke's Bay then shaded the hosts down the stretch.

- NZPA