Hawkes Bay has won the National Basketball League Regular Season for the first time after defeating the understrength Manawatu Jets 78-69 on Sunday in Palmerston North.
Everard Bartlett hit six of eight treys, as he led the Hawks with 21 points, Kareem Johnson and Galen Young each added double double's in points and rebounds.
The Jets, who have already clinched a semi final berth, elected to rest imports Chris Hagan and Josh Pace, which gave Marcel Jones another run, scoring a game-high 25 points.
The Hawks will face the Wellington Saints in the semi finals on Saturday May 26th, which marks the fourth straight season the two teams have met in the playoffs.
The Jets come up against the Auckland Pirates in the other semi final on the same day.
The NBL grand final will be held on Sunday May 27th.
