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Hawks Firepower Too Much For Jets To Handle

In a similar scene to exactly one week ago, the Taylor Hawks have delivered another comfortable win, this time eclipsing the Manawatu Jets 106-79 win on the back of a 60-38 second half.

After a slow start and some lower-than-normal shooting percentages during the first half, which was eerily similar to their game against the Mountainairs last week, the Hawks then opened up the shooting cannons and running machine in the second half to blow the Jets out of the sky.

Though the Jets were on the double and backing up after a win the previous night at home to the Airs, their first half heroics against the Hawks were worthy of warm applause, especially the efforts of Daishon Knight (21pts) , Wally Ellenson (17pts, 10rbs) and Kuran Iverson (13pts, 17rbs).

However, as they did last week, the Hawks found a bit of touch in the latter stages of the second quarter, before stepping out after the long break and going to a completely other level. Once they had established their run and found their shooting stroke, it was lights out.

Ethan Rusbatch (29pts, 7 treys), Brandon Bowman (25pts, 16rbs) and EJ Singler (23pts, 12rbs) were unstoppable. Such was the dominance of the leading trip, the Hawks only needed 8pts off the bench in this one.

The only worrying sign for the Hawks right now is the continued absence of Daniel Kickert due to injury. By now it must be a minor concern at best for the Hawks, especially with the business end of the season closing in.

 

Hawkes Bay Hawks 106 defeated Manawatu Jets 79

Hawks - Ethan Rusbatch 29pts, Brandon Bowman 25pts, EJ Singler 23pts.

Jets - Daishon Knight 21pts, Wally Ellenson 17pts.

Stats That Matter - Once again the Hawks went to their running game to break the contest open, and with it came 25 assists, a far superior return compared with 10 from the Jets.

TAB MVP Votes - Brandon Bowman (Hawks) 10, Daishon Knight (Jets) 7, Ethan Rusbatch (Hawks) 6, EJ Singler (Hawks) 5, Kuran Iverson (Jets) 1, Wally Ellenson (Jets) 1.

Talking Points

1. No disrespect to the Saints (who are a little down at the offensive end right now) or the Rams (who are far more built around defence), but the Hawks are so much fun to watch when they pile on the points. Dunks and treys, that's the way the Hawks go about their business and the fans absolutely love it.
2. Always tough backing it up the following day in the Sal's NBL, especially with travel involved, but yet again the Jets showed (in the first half) that they can go with the best. Let's not forget the Jets ran the Saints to within 2pts, the Huskies to 1pt, the Rams to 5pts and also defeated the Sharks. Just goes to show you how tough this competition really is.
3. Rusbatch, Bowman, Singler - Wow! When these three get a sniff of points, look out. They run, they pass and boy do they jump! Let's not forget that Daniel Kickert still has to return.