Game Report: Hawks vs 36ers | RD20 NBL26

Wani the Hero as Hawks Ground High-Flying 36ers in WIN Centre Thriller

The Illawarra Hawks have produced a stunning finish to snatch a 100-99 (boxscore) win at the WIN Entertainment Centre, keeping the dream alive and knocking the Adelaide 36ers off the top of the NBL ladder. In a contest that felt every bit like a playoff game, a loud Hawkheads crowd witnessed a comeback for the ages as our boys climbed back from a 16-point deficit to secure a victory that keeps our playoff hopes breathing.

With the game on the line and only five seconds remaining, the Hawks attacked the rim with desperate intensity following a missed three. After two attempts wouldn't fall, Wani Swaka Lo Buluk's tip-in on the third attempt of the possession gave Hawks the lead. Following an Adelaide timeout, the collective breath of Wollongong held as five-time MVP Bryce Cotton got an open look at a three, but it rimmed out. Flynn Cameron’s heavy tip-back missed the mark, leaving the Hawks to escape with a memorable win that snapped Adelaide's seven game winning streak against us.

Harvey and Hickey Ignite the Comeback

The story of the night started with Tyler Harvey, who was red-hot out of the blocks after being named a permanent Australian resident. Our captain nailed a trio of threes early and finished the half with 14 points on 4/5 shooting from deep. He ended the night with 22 points and a season-best six triples, earning high praise for his leadership in his 189th game, his next game sees him tie AJ Ogilvy for 12th on the club's all-time list.

While Tyler provided the perimeter fire, William "Davo" Hickey was the engine room. Davo was absolutely everywhere, recording a massive 22 points, 10 assists, 5 rebounds, and 4 steals. His relentless hustle sparked a string of fourth-quarter turnovers that dragged the Hawks back into the contest.

QJ Peterson proved why he is one of the most dangerous shooters in the league, hitting two of his three long-range makes down the stretch, including a clutch triple that gave the Hawks a 98-97 lead with 37 seconds remaining—our first lead since the second quarter.

Defensive Grit and Milestone Moments

It was a night for the history books as Todd Blanchfield celebrated his 150th game for the Hawks, moving into 15th all-time for the club.

Defensively, the Hawks were inspired. Coach Justin Tatum mentioned sitting Daniel Grida out of training for two days this week to ensure he had the "full energy" required to go at Bryce Cotton alongside Wani. The strategy paid dividends early, as the duo held Cotton to just 4 points on 2/11 shooting in the first half.

JaVale McGee provided the muscle in the paint, finishing with 8 points and a monster 14 rebounds, including two massive blocks that electrified the crowd. Wani Swaka Lo Buluk finished with 11 points—including that iconic game-winner—to go along with what was described as an elite defensive effort. Captain Tyler Harvey was full of praise for Wani’s ability to maintain that level of defensive pressure while still contributing double figures on the offensive end.

The Opposition

The 36ers showed why they have been the league pacesetters, fueled by a 30-16 second quarter that included a 15-0 run. Bryce Cotton eventually found his rhythm, dropping 24 of his 28 points in the second half. Nick Rakocevic returned from suspension to post 14 points and 9 rebounds, while Isaac Humphries added 14 points and 4 boards. John Jenkins was dangerous from deep, knocking down 4/7 triples for his 12 points.

Through the Lens series

Highlights

What's Next?

The Hawks now face a quick turnaround as we travel to Auckland on Friday morning to take on the New Zealand Breakers on Saturday. The Breakers have won the previous three against us this season, much like Adelaide had, and we’ll be looking to break that streak to keep this improbable playoff run alive.

History continues on Saturday as Sam Froling plays his 195th game for the Hawks, surpassing Dene Macdonald to move into the club’s Top 10 for all-time appearances.

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HUNGRY JACK'S NBL SEASON 2025/26 – ROUND 20

ILLAWARRA HAWKS 100 (Harvey 22, Hickey 22, Peterson 13
‍ADELAIDE 36ERS 99 (Cotton 28, Humphries 14, Rakocevic 14)

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