Posted on Saturday, June 20th, 2026
Game Recap: Tuatara vs Hawks
Result: Jadcup Auckland Tuatara (85) defeat Big Barrel Hawke’s Bay Hawks (74)
Auckland Tuatara controlled much of the contest, building an early advantage behind strong shot-making and timely scoring from multiple contributors. The Tuatara led 17-14 at quarter time and maintained their edge throughout the middle stages, with key baskets from Sean Bairstow, Isaac Davidson and Thomas Vodanovich helping stretch the margin.
Hawke’s Bay continued to battle behind the scoring of Daniel Grida and Keanu Rasmussen, cutting the deficit to single digits on several occasions in the second half. However, Auckland responded each time, including a crucial fourth-quarter stretch highlighted by back-to-back three-pointers from Bairstow and Davidson, helping the Tuatara secure an 85-74 victory.
Leading Players:
Auckland Tuatara: Isaac Davidson (18pts, 5r, 1a), Sean Bairstow (16pts, 7r, 7a), Joshua Dilling (15pts, 3r, 1a)
Hawke’s Bay Hawks: Daniel Grida (27pts, 15r, 1a), Keanu Rasmussen (23pts, 4r, 9a), Jeremy Mclaughlin (19pts, 6r)
MVP Votes:
Isaac Davidson (Auckland Tuatara) – 9
Sean Bairstow (Auckland Tuatara) – 6
Daniel Grida (Hawke’s Bay Hawks) – 6
Keanu Rasmussen (Hawke’s Bay Hawks) – 4
Robert Loe (Auckland Tuatara) – 4
Thomas Vodanovich (Auckland Tuatara) – 1
Rapid League game:
Result: Jadcup Auckland Tuatara (45) defeat TotalEnergies Hawke’s Bay Hawks (37)
Auckland controlled the contest from the opening quarter, jumping out to an early lead and never surrendering momentum. The Tuatara led 12-5 after the first period and extended the advantage to 22-14 at halftime before holding off several Hawks rallies in the second half.
Dylan Wilkie provided key shot-making throughout the game, including a timely third-quarter three-pointer to halt Hawke’s Bay’s momentum, while Joshua Leger and KC Ioane made important contributions at both ends of the floor. Ioane delivered the late exclamation mark, combining a crucial defensive block with a finish inside the final minute to help secure the result.
Leading Players:
Auckland Tuatara: Dylan Wilkie (12pts, 4r, 2a), KC Ioane (10pts, 1r), Matthew Dalton (8pts, 4r)
Hawke’s Bay Hawks: Jacob Murphy (8pts, 1r), Ezrah Eagle (7pts, 3r, 3a), Kobe Kara (5pts, 3r, 2a)
Rapid League MVP Votes:
Dykan Wilkie (Auckland Tuatara) – 10
KC Ioane (Auckland Tuatara) – 8
Jacob Murphy (Hawke’s Bay Hawks) – 3
Josh Leger (Auckland Tuatara) – 5
Ezrah Eagle (Hawke’s Bay Hawks) – 3
Kobe Kara (Hawke’s Bay Hawks) – 1