The Bay Hawks edged the Whai 88-87 in a thrilling New Zealand National Basketball League (NZNBL) season opener on May 1, 2025. In a game that came down to the final shot, the home team held on for a nail-biting one-point victory in front of their fans at the 3:00 PM tip-off. The contest was a showcase of offensive talent, with both teams trading leads throughout the second half. The Whai, demonstrating their resilience, fought back from a late deficit to tie the game with under a minute to play. On the final possession, the Bay Hawks' star player drove the lane and drew a foul, sinking one of two free throws to take the lead. The Whai had one last chance, but a heavily contested three-point attempt at the buzzer fell short, securing a dramatic win for the Hawks. This result immediately set the tone for the competitive NZNBL season. Post-match, the Hawks' coach praised his team's composure in a high-pressure situation.