HAWKS REIGN SUPREME

The IMS Payroll Hawks are fast becoming the team to beat in the Bartercard NBL with a convincing 88-78 win over the Pacific Jewellers Saints.

Dustin Scott (20 points, 9 rebounds) and Kareem Johnson (18 points , 10 rebounds) were too much for the Saints, in particular the paint where they dominated on the boards.

After a high scoring first half which saw both teams tied at 52, the Tab Baldwin coached side put the clamps on Wellington, holding them scoreless for nearly eight minutes.

The Hawks would lead by as many as 15, until finally the Saints would score from a layup by Dion Prewster.

Wellington scored 11 unanswered points to close to within four with nine minutes still remaining in the game.

After a timeout the Hawks would reply with a 14-2 run, which ended the Saints chance of a comeback win.

It was again a balanced effort from the Hawks, and guards Jarrod Kenny and Everard Bartlett were tremendous on both ends of the court.

Kenny had 16 points and won the battle of the Tall Black point guards over Lindsay Tait who shot 5/14 for 14 points.

Bartlett added 14 and seven assists, and although his opposite Corey Webster had 28, he did shoot 9/22.

The loss now puts the Saints win/loss to 7-3, but their main concern would be their imports Elijah Obade and Ernest Scott who were held to a combined four points and five rebounds.

The Hawks are now 9-2 and so far look like they will be the first team to clinch a playoff berth.