Match Report: Hawks @ Wildcats | Rd3 NBL26

The Illawarra Hawks slipped to 0-2 on the season after a 92-84 defeat to the Perth Wildcats on Thursday night, with the home side controlling much of the second half before a late Hawks rally trimmed the margin.

It was billed as the “battle of the bigs,” and both centres put on a show. Hawks superstar JaVale McGee once again led from the front, finishing with 26 points (12/20 FG) and 14 rebounds, while Perth’s Jo Lual-Acuil Jr. countered with 22 points and 12 boards to guide his team to victory.

The Hawks were sensational early, holding Perth scoreless for the opening four minutes and storming out to a 20-6 first-quarter lead behind the hot shooting of Wani Swaka Lo Buluk and the steady hand of Tyler Harvey. Defensive intensity had Perth rattled, with Illawarra diving on loose balls and contesting everything at the rim.

But a furious 16-4 run to end the second quarter saw the Wildcats flip the script, taking a 44-43 halftime edge.

From there, Perth took control. Illawarra’s offence went cold in the third, hitting just 5-of-21 from the field, while Mason Jones and Dylan Windler swung the momentum firmly to the home side. The Wildcats built a commanding 17-point lead in the second half, and although the Hawks closed the gap late the damage had been done.

Harvey (19 points, 5 assists) and Swaka Lo Buluk (14 points, 4 triples) were strong contributors. Daniel Grida brought his trademark hustle at both ends, finishing with 4 points, 2 steals and endless energy that lifted the Hawks in key moments. But ultimately, Illawarra’s second-half struggles proved costly against a Perth team buoyed by their home crowd.

The Hawks now turn their attention to a mid-week clash across the Tasman against the Breakers, before returning to Wollongong for a Saturday night showdown with Brisbane.

📅 Next Games:

• Hawks @ Breakers – Wednesday, 8 October, 5:30 pm in Auckland
• Hawks vs Bullets – Saturday, 11 October, at WIN Entertainment Centre.  🎟️ Tickets via Ticketmaster

Stay tuned to our social media channels for match highlights.

HUNGRY JACK’S NBL SEASON 2025/26: Boxscore

PERTH WILDCATS 92 (Lual-Acuil Jr 22, Doolittle 17, Windler 16)
ILLAWARRA HAWKS 84 (McGee 26, Harvey 19, Swaka Lo Buluk 14)