The Bay Hawks erased a 15-point deficit on Friday night to beat the Taranaki Mountainairs, 90-87.

The Airs were in control for much of the first half, leading 49-41 at halftime. American Import Javonte Douglas had 22 points on 9-of-11 shooting to lead the Airs, but nine first half turnovers were a big factor in the Hawks’ underwhelming play to that point.

Douglas, though, would somewhat cool off for Taranaki, scoring just eight points in the second half. He finished the game with 30 points, five rebounds and four assists on 12-of-16 shooting (3-of-6 from three). Douglas was fantastic tonight, but the overall talent of the Hawks proved too much in the end.

Alonzo Burton posted 14 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and two steals in his 32 minutes of work, shooting 5-of-12 from the field and 3-of-7 from three.

Roger Woods (11 points), Xavier Smith (13 points) and Dane Brooks (11 points) also scored in double-figures for the Airs.

Dion Prewster led the Hawks in scoring with 25 points on 9-of-12 shooting, adding seven rebounds and three assists in just 24 minutes of work.

Australian Angus Brandt turned in a massive stat-line, compiling 23 points, 14 rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block on 8-of-12 shooting from the field. He’s been fairly quiet through the team’s first two games, but he certainly came alive tonight.

Hawke’s Bay’s Jarrod Kenny added 14 points (5-of-8 from the field), three rebounds and five assists in 34 minutes.

There wasn’t much separating the two teams tonight, but the Hawks were lucky to escape with a win considering they turned the ball over 12 times, compared to the Airs who committed just four turnovers.

The win takes the Hawks to a perfect 3-0 record to begin the season, while the Airs move to 1-1.