The Hornets had a hard fought 98-90 win against a vastly improved Warragul Warriors at Horsham Basketball Stadium yesterday.

Hornets captain Tim Pickert hit two vital three-pointers in the closing minutes to seal the game and cap-off an exceptional performance with 34 points, seven rebounds and four steals.

The Warriors added point guard Michael Santo and big man Calvin Rees to the side which was thrashed by the Hornets on Saturday night and the pair made some difference with the Warriors winning the rebound count 51-43.

Hornets coach Steve Bruce said his side had handled the final minutes well.

"We haven't had many close finishes this season," he said.

"It is good to know the guys still know what to do in the close matches.

"I think last night's match took a fair bit out of the guys and it was only in the fourth quarter when the competitive juices started flowing that they started to play."

Hornets guard Shaun Bruce struggled to score in the first three quarters but found his range in the fourth quarter, finishing with 27 points and seven rebounds.

Brazilian import Cicero Gonzaga was again a physical presence for the Warriors, scoring 24 points and grabbing 16 rebounds while Santo added 20 points and shooting guard Nick Sedley scored 18 points, including six three-pointers.

Hornets centre Ben New fought valiantly against Gonzaga and finished with six points and 13 rebounds.

Damien Skurrie added 14 points for the Hornets while Matt Lovel scored 10 points.

Skurrie played his 50th match for the Hornets in their win on Saturday night.

For reports on the Hornets' Saturday night match against Warragul Warriors, and pictures, see today's Mail-Times.