Hawks De-Glitter Stars
Tagged in: Competitions, NBL
Still chasing a home playoff game, the Easy LPG Bay Hawks gave their chances a boost on Queen’s Birthday Monday.
With 26 points from American forward Kevin Smith and 24 points from Tall Blacks guard Paora Winitana, the Hawks held off the Youthtown Auckland Stars 99-95 at Pettigrew.Green Arena in Taradale to start round 15 of the Dominion Finance NBL.
The Stars got 34 points from forward Casey Frank and a double-double of 21 points and 13 rebounds from Adrian Majstrovich but could not prevent a loss that consigned them to the sixth seed.
With 9:33 remaining in the final period, the Hawks led by 13 points but behind the play of Frank, the Stars were able to pull within three points, at 83-80, with 3:36 to play.
The Bay made only two field goals the rest of the way but converted 12-of-18 free-throw attempts to stay in front down the stretch.
Playing their third game in five days, Auckland fired in the first period, staking a six-point lead, before the home side took control with a 33-17 second quarter, giving them a 10-point halftime buffer.
Hawks point guard Aidan Daly had 16 points, eight assists and four steals, while Smith pulled down eight boards and American centre Kareem Johnson posted 12 points. Dillon Boucher had nine points and nine assists for the Stars, while import George Baker compiled 11 points and eight assists.
The Hawks must now beat the CPS Nelson Giants by 12 points in their final regular season game or win by less and hope the Giants loss their season-closer against the Property Brokers Manawatu Jets, while the Stars finish their regular season at home against the Waikato Pistons on Thursday night.
Dominion Finance NBL Round 15
At Pettigrew.Green Arena, Taradale
Easy LPG Bay Hawks 99 (Kevin Smith 26, Paora Winitana 24, Aidan Daly 16, Kareem Johnson 12) Youthtown Auckland Stars 95 (Casey Frank 34, Adrian Majstrovich 21, George Baker 11)
1Q: 20-26
HT: 53-43 (33-17)
3Q: 74-65 (21-22)
FT: 99-95 (25-30)
Hawks vs Stars Box Score (20KB html)
