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Posted on Saturday, May 2nd, 2026<\/p>\n
Game Recap: Hawks v Tuatara<\/p>\n
Result: Big Barrel Hawkes Bay Hawks (91) are defeated by Jadcup Auckland Tuatara (93)<\/p>\n
The Big Barrel Hawke’s Bay Hawks would be in for a challenge as they sought their first win of the season. The Tuatara have looked dominant, albeit a close loss to the Saints in Wellington. Despite having a number of offensive weapons, being an undersized squad had presented issues throughout their past 4 matchups. The Hawks would get lucky to begin as one half of the twin towers of the Tuatara, Chris Johnson, would get in foul trouble and limit his minutes. Despite the size different, the Hawks would pull down more rebounds in the first half than the Tuatara. Despite that, and 15 2nd quarter points from Jackson Ball, the Hawks would trail by 6 points. The Hawks would then go on a run into the 3rd and take the lead, in which begun a battle of taking the lead until the closing minute of play. Keanu Rasmussen would hit a big 3 to close to gap to 1. But with possession and the chance to win, the Hawks were unable to convert as Zach Riley came up with a massive steal to seal the game for the visiting side.<\/p>\n
Leading Players
\nHawke’s Bay Hawks: Jackson Ball (19p, 4a), Dan Grida (17p, 11r, 3a, 2s), Keanu Rasmussen (18p, 4r, 6a, 2s)
\nAuckland Tuatara: Tom Vodanovich (19p, 5r, 3a, 2s), Zach Riley (14p, 7r, 6a, 2s), Rob Loe (11p, 10, 4a, 2b)<\/p>\n