The Taylor Hawke's Bay Hawks have secured another win and completed a perfect sweep of their round 8 double with an 89-61 triumph over the Property Brokers Manawatu Jets.
The final margin could arguably have been greater had the game gone the full distance as the Hawks were on another scoring blitz when the officials called the game to an end with just over two minutes to play due to a persisent leak in the roof.
The victory in front of another big crowd at Fly Palmy Arena never looked in doubt after the Hawks raced to a 28-13 lead in the opening 10 minutes, their dominance highlighted by quick offensive transition and a desire to share the ball.
Led by Devondrick Walker and Hyrum Harris, the Hawks just had too many weapons, including Jordan Hunt who again proved his worth off the bench with another clinical performance.
On the back of a strong effort from Daishon Knight the Jets got back to with 13 points during the second quarter, but as they did multiple times the Hawks ran in swarms and always had an answer.
Walker and Harris in particular were brilliant, while the insertion of Coach Adam Forde and court leader Jarrod Kenny have clearly bolstered the team as they advance their run to the Final 4.
As the margin grew the crowd was treated to seeing increased minutes from some of the younger players on both teams, including Isaac Davidson who did some exciting things on debut.
In the end a water leak brought the game to an early finish with the Hawks being awarded the game under FIBA rules.
Manawatu Jets (61) lost to Hawke's Bay Hawks (89) - BOXSCORE
Jets: Daishon Knight (20pts), Jayden Bezzant (16pts), DeAndre Daniels (12pts, 10rbs, 5blks)
Hawks: Devondrick Walker (25pts, 8ast), Hyrum Harris (10pts, 11rbs, 7ast, 5stl), Jordan Hunt (17pts), Rhys Vague (11pts, 12rbs).
Game Highlights
Stuff MVP Votes
Devondrick Walker (Hawks) 10
Jordan Hunt (Hawks) 8
Hyrum Harris (Hawks) 4
Daishon Knight (Jets) 4
Jayden Bezzant (Jets) 4
(Photo Credit: PhotosportNZ)