Hawks fall to United in Game One

Sam Froling was dominant, especially in the first half, scoring 26 points on 11-of-16 shooting. Gary Clark, who was named to the All-First Team, showed why with 22 points and 12 rebounds.

Froling and Clark did as they pleased early to push the Hawks to a 29-25 quarter-time buffer.

Dellavedova's solo vigil in the second stanza momentarily gave United the impetus to move ahead 54-47 before suffering a prolonged struggle.

The Hawks used a 13-0 run to start the third quarter to springboard a second-half run that had them lead by 16 points with 7 minutes to play.

Melbourne flicked a switch, finally knuckling down defensively, controlling the tempo before seizing the momentum late and again in overtime.

The sides will regroup for Game 2 at WIN Entertainment Centre in Wollongong on Sunday afternoon.