RANGERS PIP HAWKS IN LAST 2 MINUTES OF 4TH QUARTER

Both the James Blond Supercity Rangers and Zerofees Southland Sharks have had to fight hard to secure wins.

The Rangers trailed by as many as 11 in the second quarter against the IMS Payroll Hawks, but a 31-21 fourth quarter gave them the 96-87 win.

Reuben Te Rangi scored a team high 24 points and Round Seven player of the week, Tom Garlepp added 23 points and 11 rebounds for the Rangers who jump to second place with an 8-4 win-loss record.

It was a much improved effort from the Hawks, led by import Suleiman Braimoh who had 25 points and 10 rebounds.

The Hawks also welcomed back their leader Paora Winitana, who had a tidy 21 points. Despite a poor shooting night, Jarrod Kenny dished out 11 assists, and center Zack Atkinson had 14 points and seven rebounds.

The game was tied at 84 all with under two minutes remaining and it looked like it could be either team’s ball game. In the end though, it was the Rangers who made the key plays down the stretch, including consecutive three’s from Casey Frank and Jason Cadee.