Game Preview: Hawks vs Taipans | RD15 NBL26

Hawks Look to Break "Bogey Team" Curse in Saturday Night Showdown‍

Fresh off a gritty New Year’s Eve victory that sent the JackJumpers packing, your Illawarra Hawks (7-13) are back at the WIN Entertainment Centre this Saturday to face a team that has caused more than a few headaches recently: the Cairns Taipans.

Head Coach Justin Tatum hasn’t minced words leading into this one, labeling Cairns as the Hawks' "bogey team" over the last couple of seasons. In a bizarre statistical quirk, both games between the Hawks and Taipans earlier this season resulted in 17-point wins for the away team. The Hawks are determined to buck that trend, defend home court, and keep their post-season pulse racing.

‍Froling’s Double-Double Streak‍

Since his Christmas Day return, Co-Captain Sam Froling has been nothing short of elite. In just two games back from an Achilles injury, Froling has recorded a double-double in both outings, including a 16-point, 10-rebound outburst on NYE. He currently leads the entire NBL in rebounds per game with a massive 11.0 RPG. His presence alongside JaVale McGee gives the Hawks a frontcourt rotation that no one in the league wants to deal with right now.

McGee Chasing History

JaVale McGee provided a masterclass in rim protection on New Year's Eve, swatting 6 shots to help the Hawks reach a season-high 10 blocks as a team. His 6-block effort fell just one shy of the all-time Hawks record of 7, a feat only achieved four players in club history by Don Bickett, Melvin Thomas (twice), and Larry Davidson.

JaVale now joins a short list of Hawks— Cortez Groves, David McGuire, Learando Drake, Darnell Mee, Melvin Thomas, Ray Borner, and AJ Ogilvy—who have reached the 6-block mark. You can bet the Sandpit will be erupting if he challenges the record against the Snakes.

The Keys to Victory

While the refreshed starting lineup paid massive dividends against the JackJumpers, the coaching staff will be laser-focused on one specific stat: turnovers. After trending in the right direction, the Hawks saw a jump to 15 turnovers on NYE. Against a Cairns team that thrives on disruption, taking care of the rock will be paramount.

The Hawks must also be wary of the perimeter, as Cairns attempt and make the 2nd most triples in the NBL, averaging 10 makes on 30 attempts per game. Defensively, this is a battle of two units looking for stops; the Hawks currently hold the league's worst defensive (96.5 PPG), with Cairns only a fraction better at 96.3 PPG.

Offensively, expect the Hawks to dominate the interior—Illawarra ranks 1st in points in the paint (46.1), while Cairns ranks last in the league at just 18.2. With the Hawks averaging 88.7 PPG (5th) compared to the Taipans' league-low 82.2 PPG, winning the battle inside will be the path to victory.

Opposition Watch: Cairns Taipans

The Taipans (5-16) arrive in Wollongong desperate to bounce back after a 96-111 home loss to the Phoenix on New Year’s Eve. Despite the loss, their stars are putting up big numbers:

• Jack McVeigh: Poured in 26 points in 39 minutes on NYE and is averaging 21.1 PPG for the season.
• Sam Waardenburg: Recorded 22 points and 6 rebounds in their last outing.
• Andrew Andrews: A triple-threat threat who put up 17 points, 9 assists, and 7 rebounds on Tuesday.
  

The Hawks have the momentum, the height, and the home-court advantage.

Game Details:

• Opponent: Cairns Taipans
• Date: Saturday, Jan 3rd
• Time: 5:30 PM
• Venue: WIN Entertainment Centre
  

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