A POOR third quarter proved costly for the Newcastle Hunters in their 96-82 loss to Hills Hornets in the Waratah Australian Basketball League men's game at Broadmeadow on Saturday night.
A 24-16 second quarter gave the Hunters a 47-45 lead at the main break, but that stung the Hornets into life.
They responded with a 28-15 third term to take control of the contest.
Seasoned big man Al Swystun was a giant for Newcastle, scoring 22 points and ripping down 21 rebounds. Skipper Mat McGovern went close to a triple double by contributing 18 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and five steals.
But that was not enough to inspire the inexperienced Hunters (1-9) to what would have been only their second win of the season.
Newcastle (4-6) staged a late rally in the women's game but still went down 66-62 to Hills, conceding sixth position on the ladder to the Hornets (5-5).
Led by Ellie Manou's 21 boards, the Hornets out-rebounded the Hunters 61-32 despite the best efforts of young gun Maddie Allen (eight rebounds, four points, three blocked shots) and Dimity Stewart (12 points, six rebounds).
The Hunters women take on Canberra on the road on Saturday, while the men have the bye.
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