The West Yorkshire Hawks Men secured an 86–78 victory over Nottingham Hoods in front of a record Hawks crowd, closing out their regular season home schedule in style and locking in a playoff place for the second year running.

With the Hawks Nest packed and the atmosphere electric, the Neon and Navy delivered when it mattered most, overcoming a slow start to secure both the win and second place in the league standings.

The Hawks struggled to settle early in the contest as Nottingham seized control of the tempo in the opening quarter. By pushing the pace and forcing the Hawks onto the back foot, the Hoods were able to dictate the flow of the game and build early momentum. Their fast start allowed them to take a six-point lead at the end of the first quarter.

The Hawks began to look far more assertive in the second period. Defensive adjustments and improved ball movement allowed the home side to steadily claw their way back into the game. As the quarter progressed, the Hawks found their rhythm offensively and gradually erased the deficit, drawing level at 40–40 heading into halftime.

Coming out of the locker room, the Hawks looked like a team with a clear plan. A more purposeful and controlled approach allowed them to dictate the tempo and begin to impose themselves on the game. Strong defensive efforts combined with efficient scoring helped the Hawks open up breathing room, stretching their advantage to 12 points by the end of the third quarter.

Nottingham, however, showed great character in the final period. Despite being a young side, the Hoods remained composed and worked hard to disrupt the Hawks’ rhythm, trimming the deficit and keeping the pressure firmly on the home side.

But backed by the energy of the record crowd, the Hawks held their nerve in the closing moments. Key possessions and disciplined defence allowed the Neon and Navy to see out the game and secure a well-earned 86–78 victory.

The Hawks offence was well balanced, with Joe Heyes leading the scoring with 18 points. Charles Olusunmade added 17 points, Rob Donaldson contributed 16, and Ethan Rose finished with 15 points in a strong all-round team performance.

Head coach Danny Byrne praised both his players and the supporters after the game saying “The guys stuck together well today. Hoods provided a real challenge and the team stepped up. I also want to say a massive thanks to our amazing crowd. They have stuck by us all season and it truly means the world to me and the team, thank you.”

The victory secures the Hawks a place in the NBL playoffs for the second consecutive season, but their opponent will not be confirmed until Monday 16th March at the earliest. The Hawks will begin their playoff campaign on the road, with their first postseason game scheduled for either 28th or 29th March.

Fans are encouraged to keep an eye on the club’s social media channels for further updates as the Neon and Navy prepare for the postseason.