HAWKS WIN SECOND STRAIGHT

The IMS Payroll Hawks have won their second straight game, defeating the Augusta Airs 97-90.

Suleiman Braimoh had 21 points and 14 rebounds against his former team, and his front court partner Zack Atkinson also added a double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds for the Hawks who move to 2-2.

Last week the Hawks took care of point guard Jason Cadee, who was held to a season low seven points. This week the Hawks did the same to Taranaki point guard Chris Hagan, who after scoring 38 last week in Nelson was reduced to two points in 27 minutes.

Taranaki forward Aaron Fuller carried the side with 28 points, and shooting guard Brad Anderson scored 20 off the bench.

But it today was the same issue that has plagued the 0-5 Airs this season, and that his defense, allowing the Hawks to shoot 57% from the field and gifting them 25-30 from the foul line.

This would have been a prime opportunity for Taranaki to get their first win of the season because the Hawks were without Paora Winitana.

But the Bay got 30 efficient points from Marco Alexander (18 points) and Alonzo Burton (12 points), both stepping up in Winitana’s absence.

The Hawks will have an opportunity to add to the win column, playing their next two games at home playing Taranaki in a couple of weeks and the win less Manawatu Jets next Saturday.