Game Report: Hawks vs United | RD10 NBL26

A Classic at The Sandpit: Hawks Fall in Grand Final Rematch Thriller

In a game that will be talked about for years, the Illawarra Hawks fell just short in a 105–102 thriller against Melbourne United in a contest worthy of its Grand Final rematch billing at The WIN Entertainment Centre on Friday night.

The final moment that will be etched into memory: with time expiring, JaVale McGee launched a three-quarter court heave that splashed through the net — a shot that would’ve sent the game to overtime — but was heartbreakingly ruled to have left his hands 0.1 seconds after the buzzer.

Despite the official result, the crowd rose to salute the Hawks with the famous “ILLA-WARRA” chant, acknowledging a performance full of grit, fire and near-magic.

Hawks Heart on Display

The Hawks showed every ounce of their fighting spirit, led by a monster outing from JaVale McGee who posted 28 points (12/14 FG), 12 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks. McGee dominated the paint all night long and nearly etched himself into NBL folklore with that final shot.

QJ Peterson exploded off the bench with 22 points, including 4 triples on 66.7% shooting from deep.

William “Davo” Hickey continued his stellar season with another near triple-double – 18 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists, playing a team-high 38 minutes.

Tyler Harvey added 13 points and 4 assists.

Swings, Scoring Runs & Saville from the Sidelines

It was a true rollercoaster of a game. The Hawks led by as many as six early and in the third stormed back from a 8-point deficit to build a 4-point lead that brought the WIN Entertainment Centre to life in the third quarter.

Melbourne’s Chris Goulding turned back the clock with 23 points on 5-of-8 from beyond the arc, while Milton Doyle added 19 points and 7 assists. Jesse Edwards and Finn Delany chipped in with 14 and 13 points respectively for United.

United rode a hot perimeter shooting night (13 threes) to stay just ahead, but Illawarra won the battle inside — scoring 48 points in the paint and winning the rebounding count 41–35.

Adding to a special night, Hawks legend and current firefighter Glen Saville took to the court during a break in full fire gear, drilling a pair of threes to promote the “Beat the Burn” fundraiser – a cause supporting NSW kids with burn injuries. 🔗 Support the cause here

What It Means

Despite the loss, this performance cements the Hawks as a team with serious heart and plenty left to play for. At 4–9 heading into the FIBA break, they sit in a similar position to their 2023/24 campaign that finished in a playoff surge.

Coach Justin Tatum was candid postgame, calling the turnover issues “disturbing” but praised the crowds ongoing support.

And that connection was on full display. From the McGee miracle shot to the roaring chants of “ILLA-WARRA” post-buzzer - the belief in this group remains unwavering.

Next Up

📅 Thursday, December 4
🏠 Illawarra Hawks vs South East Melbourne Phoenix
📍 WIN Entertainment Centre
🎟️ Tickets available now via Ticketmaster

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HUNGRY JACK’S NBL SEASON 2025/26 – Rd10

MELBOURNE UNITED 105 (Goulding 23, Doyle 19, Edwards 14, Delany 13)
ILLAWARRA HAWKS 102 (McGee 28, Peterson 22, Hickey 18, Harvey 13)