Roberts double-double leads Hawks by Jets

Josh Roberts has compiled a monster double-double to keep the Bay Hawks in the National Basketball League (NBL) playoffs picture.

Roberts' big night led the Hawks to a 97-78 victory over the Manawatu Jets at Pettigrew Green Arena on Saturday night, getting them within a game of the Nelson Giants for the final NBL Playoffs spot.

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The American power forward exploded for 26 points (12/19 FG), 28 rebounds, including 10 on the offensive glass, along with three blocks, helping the Hawks to a 58-41 rebounding advantage.

Going into the game, Roberts, who played with the Cairns Taipans in the Australian National Basketball League (ANBL) this season, was averaging just 12.3 points and 12.4 rebounds with the Hawks.

Like Roberts, American guard Isaiah Moore also played 39 minutes, finishing with 25 points (10/24 FG, 5/7 FT), five boards, 12 assists and two steals, while Keanu Rasmussen contributed 14 points (5/15 FG, 2/6 3pt) and four rebounds.

Mustapha Heron put up a game-high 30 points (10/25 FG, 4/9 3pt, 6/8 FT), with five boards and three assists, for the Jets, while Kiwi forward James Moors posted 14 points (6/15 FG) and 15 rebounds in the loss.

Josh Roberts posted a monster double-double with 26 points and 28 rebounds. PHOTO: NBL

The Hawks, who scored a whopping 62 points in the paint, trailed early but hit the front for good after four minutes. They led by 10 points after the first quarter and by 16 midway through the second quarter.

Manawatu battled back into the game with 10 straight points just before halftime and pulled within four with a three on the opening possession of the third period. However, the Hawks answered with a 14-0 run to end the game as a contest.

The win saw the Hawks pull level with the Otago Nuggets and Tauranga Whai at 7-12, just behind the Giants at 8-11.

The Hawks host the Auckland Tuatara (15-3) in a must-win clash on Wednesday (tip-off 7.30pm) to conclude their regular season, with the real possibility of a four-way tie for the sixth seed.

Bay Hawks 97 (Josh Roberts 26, Isaiah Moore 25, Keanu Rasmussen 14, Luke Sutherland 11, Jacob Murphy 10) Manawatu Jets 78 (Mustapha Heron 30, James Moors 14, Kahlil Whitney 10). 1Q: 30-20, HT: 50-43, 3Q: 73-63