The smile has returned to West Sydney basketball coach Mark Watkins' face - for now.

The Razorbacks ended a club record seven game losing streak by thrashing fellow NBL finals aspirants Hunter Pirates 103-76 at Sydney Olympic Park on Wednesday night - the club's first win of 2005.

But the Pigs must keep winning to avoid rookie coach Watkins' worst nightmare - missing the play-offs just one season after making the grand final.

West Sydney kept the league's leading scorer in check, holding Hunter import Brian Wethers to 20 points - but it is nothing compared to the trick needed to get the Razorbacks into the finals.

The Razorbacks (10-18 record; 9th) must win their four remaining regular season clashes and hope finals rival Hunter (12-14; 8th) loses its final six - including a last round clash against the Pigs - to make the playoffs.

The huge win provided welcome relief for Watkins who has endured a nightmare NBL baptism with injuries plaguing his debut - including a season-ending toe ailment to prized import Nick Horvath last round.

Wethers arrived as the league's leading scorer with 24 points per game but was kept relatively quiet (8-25 shooting) while fellow import Kavossy Franklin had 18 points and six boards.

For West Sydney, ex-Boomers forward Simon Dwight notched 16 points - including his 3,000th for his club - while guard Steve Markovic hit a game-high 24 points and reserve Clint Reed had 17 points.

Pigs chief executive Robbie Cadee was in the hot seat from the outset, called in at the last minute to help host the Fox Sports live telecast after presenter John Casey's plane was delayed by hail at Sydney airport.

Hunter jumped to an early 10-7 lead but its woeful 24 per cent shooting and a late 11-2 run by West Sydney ensured the hosts held a handy 29-18 buffer at the first break.

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