HAWKS STUN RAMS

The IMS Payroll Hawks have stunned the Canterbury Rams in Christchurch with an 84-75 win.

Suleiman Braimoh again led the way for the Hawks with 24 points and 14 rebounds, fellow import Zack Atkinson also grabbed a double-double of 16 points and 16 rebounds.

Last week, the Hawks suffered a 19 point loss to the Rams and it looked like it was going to be the same result when the home side took an 11 point lead at the end of the opening period.

But the Hawks managed to whittle the lead down through the second and third quarters, briefly taking a one point lead during the end of the third.

Canterbury would hold a slim lead during the early part of the fourth quarter, but six straight points from Atkinson, followed by a dunk from Braimoh put the Hawks in front by six.

The Rams did close to within a single point but could never regain the lead, now dropping to 6-6 for the season.

Today, the Rams struggled offensively, shooting 38% from the field, Richie Edwards was the top scorer with 18, but shot 6/23 from the field.

Marques Whippy scored a personal best 17, Ethan Rusbatch had 11 and point guard Jermain Taylor added 10.

It was a much needed win for the Hawks (4-6), who dropped their last three on the road.

They will return home to host the Zerofees Southland Sharks (7-3) this coming Saturday.