Posted on Saturday, April 11th, 2026
Game Recap: Hawks v Whai
Game Recap Template
Result: Big Barrel Hawks Bay Hawks (95) defeated by Tauranga Whai (101)
Te Rangi and Murray dominance help the Whai glide past the Hawks.
Out of the gate Tauranga Whai showed dominance behind strong buckets by Reuben Te Rangi. The veteran amounted 11 points off 5-5 shooting in only 5 minutes. Next Taine Murray would showcase why he was sought after. The 23yo guard showed his shooting pedigree as his 8-11 shooting (5-6 3FG)Â would create a lead as large as 18. Dan Grida would lead the way for the Hawks as they cut the deficit to 13 entering the half.Â
High energy from the Hawke’s Bay Hawks would bring the game close, and timely buckets from the trio of Dan Grida, Kyle Adnam and Keanu Rasmussen would eat into the Whai’s lead. The two teams battled, with the lead coming within 2. The leadership and skill of Reuben Te Rangi would guide the Whai to a 6 point victory on the back of his 35 points. Murray would finish with 30 and +14.
[HOME TEAM]: Dan Grida (24p, 13r, 4a, 3s), Keanu Rasmussen (22p, 9r, 5a), Kyle Adnam (21p, 8a)
[AWAY TEAM]: Reuben Te Rangi (35p, 7r), Taine Murray (30p, 3r), Xanda Marsters (10p, 5r, 11a)
MVP Votes:
Reuben Te Rangi (Whai) – 10
Taine Murray (Whai) – 8
Dan Grida (Hawks) – 5
Keanu Rasmussen (Hawks) – 5
Xanda Marsters (Whai) – 2
Rapid League game:
Result: TotalEnergies Hawke’s Bay Hawks (30) are defeated by Tauranga Whai (33)
With the Hawke’s Bay Hawks winning the tipoff to begin the first game in the Nest, an equal game would ensue. While the Whai would outrebound the Hawks early with 17 boards to 9, good shots from the Hawks would keep them in it. Jett Thompson and Geordie Hoeata would contribute 11 and 9 points respectively as they would power the Whai over the Hawks for the win.
Leading Players
TotalEnergies Hawke’s Bay Hawks: Clifton Bush III (8p 3r, 2a), Jacob Murphy (5p, 5r, 2s)
Taurangi: Jett Thompson (11p, 4r), Geordie Hoeata (9p, 3r)Â
Rapid League MVP Votes:
Jett Thompson (Whai) – 10
Geordie Hoeata (Whai) – 8
Clifton Bush III (Hawks) – 4
CJ Flavell (Whai) – 4
Jacob Murphy (Hawks) – 2
Ezrah Eagle (Hawks) – 2