The in-form IMS Payroll Hawks have dispatched the Super City Rangers 99-81 in Friday night NBL action and continued their hot streak at home defeating the Breakers Manawatu Jets 81-72 on Monday.e season with 24 points, 12 rebounds and four steals.

Against the Jets the Hawks had to work for the victory trailing by as many as ten, but again a strong fourth quarter would be the difference, outscoring the Jets 29-17.

Although struggling with foul trouble Hawks forward Dustin Scott had a double-double of 19 points and 16 rebounds, Kareem Johnson adde...d 12 points and 14 rebounds.

Manawatu would trail by as many as ten in the final period, but a late rally saw them close to within four with 1:20 remaining.

After a long delay with shot clock issues, Everard Bartlett managed to hit a very tough fall away three to push the lead back up to seven, sealing their fourth win which puts them up to second, only one game behind Wellington.
IMS Payroll Hawks 81 (Everard Bartlett 21, Dustin Scott 19, Paora Winitana 12, Kareem Johnson 12) Breakers Manawatu Jets 72 (Matt Te Huna 16, Paul Jones 14, Troy McLean 12),

Everard Bartlett also had 24 and Kareem Johnson was his usual efficient self with 16 points, shooting 7/9 against  the Rangers who struggled defensively, but got great production from forward Duane Bailey who had a career night of 34 points and 11 rebounds.

After trailing by nine in the opening period the Rangers had a strong second period scoring thirty points.

Hawks struggled to contain Eric Devendorf (27 points) in the first half, but stepped up after the break, outscoring the visitors 29-16.

The Rangers will now return home and try to avoid their fifth straight loss when they host the Nelson Giants, who beat the Taranaki Mountainairs 92-76 in New Plymouth on Friday night.

Tomorrow the NBL continues when the Canterbury Rams attempt to win their first game of the season when host to the unbeaten Otago Nuggets, who begin their two-game road trip.

RESULTS

Bay Hawks 99 (Dustin Scott 22, Everard Bartlett 22, Kareem Johnson 16) Super City Rangers 81 (Duane Bailey 34, Eric Devendorf 27). 1Q: 25-16, HT: 52-46, 3Q: 81-62

 

IMS Payroll Hawks 81 (Everard Bartlett 21, Dustin Scott 19, Paora Winitana 12, Kareem Johnson 12) Breakers Manawatu Jets 72 (Matt Te Huna 16, Paul Jones 14, Troy McLean 12), Final

 

Referees – Sean Cronin, Apai Apai, Shane Nikora
1Q: 15-13

 

At TSB Bank Arena, Wellington

 

 

Pacific Jewellers Saints 77 (Corey Webster 25, Lindsay Tait 21, Dion Prewster 14) OceanaGold Nuggets 76 (Brendon Polyblank 21, Warren Carter 20, Troy Payne 17), Final

 

Referees – Melony Wealleans, Hayden Pipe, Nick Naylor

 

Nelson Giants 92 (Josh Pace 21, Jamal Boykin 20, Mika Vukona 13) Taranaki Mountain Airs 76 (Adrian Oliver 27, Suleiman Braimoh 21, Kaye McKee 12). 1Q: 20-14, HT: 38-30, 3Q: 69-56