Basketball: Waikato too hot

Waikato, with excellent zone defence, defeated Auckland 99-82 in their National Basketball League game in Hamilton last night.

Waikato rattled Auckland from the start and led 26-14 after the first quarter and 55-36 at halftime.

Auckland slowed Waikato's game in the second half, getting to within six points at 70-76, before the home side eased away again.

Score: Waikato 99 (T. Brown 36, D. Johnson 30, D. Hopoi 12) Auckland 82 (M. Barnett 27, B. Christensen 14, M. Le Pou 11). HT: 55-36.