Game Report: Hawks vs Bullets | RD12 NBL26

Hawks Rally Past Bullets in Emotional Alumni Night Victory

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In a night rich with Illawarra pride, history, and heart, the Illawarra Hawks stormed home late to overpower the Brisbane Bullets 100-85 in Round 12 of the Hungry Jack’s NBL26 season at WIN Entertainment Centre.

The annual Alumni Game brought legends of the past back to The Sandpit, including club greats Glen Saville, Chuck Harmison, and Tim Coenraad, forming a guard of honour to welcome the current squad to the floor. 

Before tip-off, more than a dozen former Hawks gathered for a special pregame function — including inaugural coach Joey Farrugia — with speeches from University of Wollongong Vice-Chancellor Professor Max Lu and Illawarra Mercury editor Kathy Sharpe highlighting the importance of continuing the legacy of former Hawk and world renowned Motor Neurone Disease scientist Professor Justin Yerbury, who passed away from MND in 2023.

Once the pregame tributes were done, it was time for business — and after a slow start, the Hawks responded in kind.

After conceding 33 points in the opening quarter and trailing by double digits early in the second, Illawarra’s bench sparked the turnaround. Biwali Bayles brought a jolt of energy with his defensive pressure during a nine-minute stint that helped drag the Hawks back into the contest.

Post-game, Head Coach Justin Tatum praised his bench unit, singling out Luca Yates, Biwali Bayles, and Daniel Grida for their impact: “It was time to trust my bench more,” Tatum said.

From there, it was the JaVale McGee show.

The big man was simply dominant down the stretch, finishing with 30 points, 10 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks on a scorching 13-of-19 shooting, including a perfect 4-of-4 from the free throw line. His presence in the paint wore down the Bullets, who couldn’t find answers inside.

The game remained in the balance until the final minutes, when the Hawks slammed the door shut with a 16-2 run to close it out in style.

William “Davo” Hickey was outstanding once again, stuffing the stat sheet with 18 points and 8 assists, while QJ Peterson chipped in with 19 points, 5 boards, and 8 assists of his own. Tyler Harvey added 17 in a balanced offensive effort.

With the win, the Hawks improve to 6-10 and stay within striking distance of the playoff mix in a tightly contested ladder.

Up Next:
A tough double-header awaits the Hawks, beginning with a blockbuster road clash against second-placed Melbourne United at John Cain Arena on Thursday, December 18.
Then it’s back to The Sandpit on Saturday, December 20, to take on the ladder-leading Adelaide 36ers.

🎟️ Don’t miss it – get your tickets now at Ticketmaster!
📸 Check our social media for more game highlights, photos, and exclusive content from Alumni Night!

HAWKS ALUMNI in attendance
16 - Ray Hannett
31 - Andrew Page
46 - Don Bickett
52 - Rod Johnson
53 - Chuck Harmison
62 - Dene MacDonald
70 - Craig Adams 
82 - Glen Saville
85 - Mat Campbell
95 - Matthew Oyston
104 - Luke Doherty
119 - Troy Pilon
150 - Tim Coenraad
153 - Zachary Delaney
157 - Tyson Demos
173 - Luke Jamieson

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HUNGRY JACK’S NBL SEASON 2025/26
ILLAWARRA HAWKS 100 (McGee 30, Peterson 19, Hickey 18)
BRISBANE BULLETS 85 (Taylor 18, Harrison 13, Freeman-Liberty 13)