Game Report: Hawks @ 36ers | Rd10 NBL26

A red-hot second-quarter blitz from Quentin “QJ” Peterson wasn’t enough to lift the Illawarra Hawks over the Adelaide 36ers on Wednesday night, as a turnover-heavy second half proved costly in a 97–85 defeat at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.

QJ Peterson, making his first NBL start, helped the Hawks look sharp early - with Illawarra holding a narrow 22–21 lead at the first break and stifling Bryce Cotton to a scoreless opening term. Peterson then took over in the second quarter with a dazzling stretch — scoring, assisting, and even diving on loose balls — sparking a highlight-reel dunk for Johny Narkle and tallying a team-high 19 points by halftime.

The Hawks led 49–44 at the main break, riding that momentum into a pivotal third quarter—but that’s where the tide turned.

Six turnovers in the third gave Adelaide all the fuel they needed. Cotton caught fire, including a four-point play and multiple daggers. He briefly left the court mid-play under unclear circumstances, returning to deliver a truly special performance, finishing with a game-high 31 points and 13 assists.

The 36ers outscored Illawarra 27–15 in the third, flipping the script and taking a seven-point lead into the final term. From there, the Hawks couldn’t recover.

Cotton and Isaac Humphries (22 points, 11 rebounds) were relentless, stretching the lead to double digits.

JaVale McGee battled inside for 12 points and 10 boards but struggled from the field (4/18), while Tyler Harvey top scored with 21 and William Hickey chipped in 12 with strong rebounding and defense.

The Hawks were outscored 30–21 in the final term and ultimately outshot 44.6% to 39.4% from the field, committing 12 turnovers in the loss.

Despite the loss, there were plenty of positives for the reigning champs:

• QJ’s first half performance was a shining light, and Coach Justin Tatum will be urging his group to bottle that second-quarter energy as they prepare for another blockbuster at The Sandpit in two nights.
• William Hickey was rock-solid again with 12 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists, continuing his strong form as one of the league’s premier two-way guards.
• JaVale McGee, despite struggling from the field (4/18), still anchored the paint with 10 rebounds and 4 blocks.
• The Hawks actually won the rebound battle 50-42 and controlled long stretches of the first half — holding Adelaide to just 44 points in the opening two quarters.

This was also a reminder that the Hawks can compete with anyone — especially with the return home just around the corner.

While tonight stings, Illawarra will take confidence from recent battles their next opponent, Melbourne United.

• Defeated United 107–93 in Round 8 — a performance many called the team’s best of the season.
• And, of course, Illawarra knocked out Melbourne in last season’s Grand Final series to claim the 2025 championship

Next Up – Back to The WIN Entertainment Centre

A huge one looms this Friday, November 21, as the Hawks host ladder-leading Melbourne United in a fiery Grand Final rematch. The energy, history, and hunger will all be on display - and the Sandpit needs to be full.

🎟️ Grab your tickets now via Ticketmaster and help lift the boys as they look to bounce back.

HUNGRY JACK’S NBL SEASON 2025/26 | Rd10 (Boxscore)
ADELAIDE 36ERS 97 (Cotton 31, Humphries 22, Cheatham 12, Cameron 11)
ILLAWARRA HAWKS 85 (Harvey 21, Peterson 19, Hickey 12, McGee 12)