Hawks finish FIBA Intercontinental Cup with dominant win over Utsunomiya Brex
21 Sep 2025
1
min read


The Illawarra Hawks wrapped up their FIBA Intercontinental Cup campaign in style, cruising to a 93-69 win over Japan’s Utsunomiya Brex - who featured former NBL guard DJ Newbill - in the playoff for 5th place.
With three games in three nights, Head Coach Justin Tatum managed the workload, resting Tyler Harvey, JaVale McGee and Jonah Bolden. That opened the door for extended minutes from the Hawks’ bench-mob, and they delivered in a big way.
Harry Froling powered his way to 14 points and 7 rebounds in 25 minutes as a starter, while Luca Yates impressed with 13 points on 6-of-10 shooting to go along with a team-high 9 boards. JaQuori McLaughlin led all Hawks scorers with 15. Kobe McDowell-White was sharp with 12 points and 4 assists, while Biwali Bayles and Jonah Antonio each added 9.
Daniel Grida also gave a spark off the bench, finishing with 6 points and 8 rebounds in just over 10 minutes of action.
The Hawks set the tone early with a 26-14 opening quarter and never looked back, controlling the glass and locking down defensively.
The Hawks now head back to Wollongong to prepare for their NBL season opener this Saturday at the WIN Entertainment Centre against the Tasmania JackJumpers, who are 1-1 to start their campaign, including a gritty win in Perth.
Don’t miss the action – get your tickets now through Ticketmaster, and make sure you’re there early to witness the unveiling of the championship banner at the WIN Entertainment Centre.
Check out our social media channels for more highlights, behind-the-scenes content, and photos from the tournament.
2025 – FIBA INTERCONTINENTAL CUP (Boxscore)
ILLAWARRA HAWKS 93 (McLaughlin 15, H. Froling 14, Yates 13, McDowell-White 12)
UTSUNOMIYA BREX 69

3 Apr
Hawks run out of steam as 36ers power to victory
Sam Froling

3 Apr
Hawkeye - Illawarra Hawks v Adelaide 36ers R12 Preview
Tyler Harvey

2 Apr
Injury Update: Star set to miss as Hawks welcome back young gun
Daniel Grida
Tyler Harvey

1 Apr
Hawks crash back to Earth as Phoenix run riot
Sam Froling

31 Mar
Hawkeye - Illawarra Hawks v SE Melbourne Phoenix R12 Preview
Tyler Harvey

31 Mar
The Hawkies: Presenting the Illawarra Hawks Mid-Season Awards
Sam Froling
Tyler Harvey

30 Mar
Hawks and Kings on ANZAC Day weekend highlights latest NBL schedule change

29 Mar
Harvey superb as Hawks destroy Bullets
Tyler Harvey

28 Mar
Hawkeye - Illawarra Hawks v Brisbane Bullets R11 Preview
Sam Froling
Tyler Harvey

26 Mar
Hawks brave but Wildcats reign supreme in the West
Sam Froling
Tyler Harvey

25 Mar
Injury Update: Big Hawk returns for marquee matchup with Wildcats

24 Mar
The Hidden Hawkhead v3 - Who and what will be on their radar today?

23 Mar
Hawks fans treated to four home games in ten days as NBL returns to the Illawarra

21 Mar
Hawks ice cold as United claim scrappy win
Sam Froling
Tyler Harvey

19 Mar
750 games in and Goorjian is still finding new ways to win

18 Mar
Hawkeye - Illawarra Hawks v Melbourne United R10 Preview
Sam Froling
Support your team with the latest gear
Grab your latest team releases before they're gone.

Get the latest Team Updates
Breaking news & special offers. Direct to your inbox.

