The HBS Bank Hawks got their first win of the 2013 Bartercard NBL and it was a big one, defeating the Zerofees Southland Sharks 89-56.

Despite no Paora Winitana and Everard Bartlett, Hawks guard Dion Prewster stepped up big, tallying 21 points, seven rebounds and four assists.

Head coach Tab Baldwin will be extremely pleased with his side’s performance, compared to their three-point loss on Friday to the Jets.

The home side outscored Southland 45-20 in the second half, thanks to the performances of Prewster, and imports Brian Greene and Darko Cohadarevic, who each collected double doubles.

It was a long night for Sharks players Luke Martin, Morgan Natanahira and Reuben Te Rangi, as they were all plagued with foul trouble and all eventually fouled out.

It wasn’t the greatest games either for import Brian Conklin, who fouled out in 15 minutes.

American Kevin Braswell tried his best for 12 points and seven steals, but unfortunately, it was a game to forget for the visitors, who will return home to play next Sunday against the Wellington Saints (2-0).

Hawks (1-1) have now won nine straight at home, but will have a tough game next week, hosting the new-look OceanaGold Nuggets (1-0) on Saturday.

Sunday, April 21,

At Pettigrew Green Arena, Taradale

HBS Bank Hawks 89 (Darko Cohadarevic 22, Brian Greene 21, Dion Prewster 21) Zerofees Southland Sharks 56 (Dan Peck 14, Kevin Braswell 12), Final

Referees – Tim Brown, Apai Apai, Gareth Tehan
1Q: 22-17
HT: 44-36 (22-19)
3Q: 70-45 (26-9)
FT: 89-56 (19-11)
Live Stats
Hawks v Sharks Box Score