It was a three-point and double-double party tonight as the Hawks got back to their Bartercard National Basketball League campaign with a vengeance in Napier.
The Liam Flynn-coached IMS Payroll-sponsored Hawke's Bay franchise team out-muscled Augusta Taranaki Mountainairs 98-88 at the Pettigrew-Green Arena in Taradale.
The hosts won every quarter bar the last one -- 21-16, 48-38 (27-22), 69-55 (21-17), 99-88 (29-33).
Nigerian import Suleiman Braimoh spearheaded the Hawks' victory with a double-double 22 points and 11 rebounds as well as four blocks and three assists to boot.
Guard Alonzo Burton broke out of his shell this season, fingers taped, to score 17 points and collect five rebounds.