Game Preview - Hawks v Perth Wildcats
15 Feb 2024
1
min read


The fourth-placed Hawks are one win away from securing a play-in series position, with Coach Tatum's men determined to do so in front of their home faithful at WIN Entertainment Centre tonight.
Momentum and belief are on their side after a comprehensive 106-95 road win against the Sydney Kings on Sunday afternoon.
The Hawks put a last-minute defeat at the hands of the Breakers behind them to ambush the Kings, leading from start to finish to the sweet sounds of the Ïllawarra" chant ringing out across Qudos Bank Arena.
Clark, Harvey, and Swaka Lo Buluk led the scoring for the Hawks, while William' Davo' Hickey was the barometer that led the second unit, coming up big down the stretch at both ends of the floor.
The Hawks have won both outings against the Wildcats this season, the most recent a 95-77 victory in Perth.
The key to their success has been the ability to throw multiple bodies at Wildcats star Bryce Cotton, with the MVP favourite making just 5 of his 22 field goals against the Hawks this season.
The Hawks have also dominated inside, ranking first in the competition for points in the paint at 45.5 points per game.
Opposition Watch
The Wildcats have locked in second position heading into Round 20 and finish their regular season campaign against the Hawks before taking to the court against third-placed Tasmania on Saturday night.
John Rillie's men arrive in Wollongong having won their last five away games while leading the league in scoring at 94.8 points per game.
The dynamic duo of Bryce Cotton and Keanu Pinder have carried the load for the Wildcats in recent weeks and will be asked to do so again if they are to overcome the Hawks for the first time this season.
With home-court advantage secured for the playoff series, look for the Wildcats to use this weekend's fixtures to refine and settle on the rotations they hope can take them all the way in NBL24.
Don't Miss the Action
Tickets are available via Ticketmaster for today's match at www.hawks.com.au/tickets
Be in your seats by 7.15 pm for lights out, with the action to tip-off at 7.30 pm.
Today’s match is presented by Illawarra Mercury - Wollongong news, sport and weather | Illawarra Mercury | Wollongong, NSW

4 Jan
Froling's Hawks embrace NBL role reversal
Sam Froling

4 Jan
Hawks to host United in inaugural LifeChanger Cup clash
Tyler Harvey

31 Dec
NBL locks in new dates for Hawks' three postponed fixtures

31 Dec
The Sixth Man Zone feedback

30 Dec
Loeliger provides update on Hawks' postponed games
Tyler Harvey

30 Dec
Hawks slide to fourth spot in power rankings

29 Dec
Goorjian confident Hawks will learn from mistakes

29 Dec
Ogilvy confident Hawks can grow from COVID drama

29 Dec
Rathan-Mayes warns NBL about potency of Hawks' backcourt

26 Dec
Win: The ultimate Christmas gift

24 Dec
Hawks rally together in face of COVID adversity

24 Dec
NBL postpones Hawks' next two fixtures due to COVID

23 Dec
Hawks to host school holiday camp at UOW

23 Dec
COVID-19 postpones Hawks' clash with Phoenix

22 Dec
NBL confirms Hawks' next three fixtures
Sam Froling

22 Dec
Illawarra remain atop power rankings despite first loss
Support your team with the latest gear
Grab your latest team releases before they're gone.

Get the latest Team Updates
Breaking news & special offers. Direct to your inbox.

