NBL1 Recap May 26 to May 28

The last week of May saw a full head of steam for the Illawarra Hawks for their respective NBL1 teams.

Lachlan Olbrich kept it consistent with his excellent form for the West Adelaide Bearcats, playing one of his best games of the season thus far.

With 26 points and 16 rebounds, Olbrich racked up his sixth double double of the season complimented with three assists, one steal and two blocks on an efficient 60% shooting.

Olbrich has been a standout for the Bearcats this season and of the conference averaging a double double with 20 points and 10 rebounds.

Catch Lachlan and the Bearcats next Saturday June 3 at 8:15pm ACST when they visit the South Adelaide Basketball Club.

William Hickey was back for the Illawarra Hawks alongside Tim Coenraad in Saturday’s clash with Inner West at The Snakepit on Saturday night.

Hickey did not disappoint, displaying himself as an offensive sleuth scoring 28 points with four steals ensuring the Hawks were always in the fight. Such was complimented by four rebounds, three assists and two blocks.

Tim Coenraad displayed another solid performance posting 22 points, two rebounds, three steals along with an assist and a block.

The women’s team secured their third win of the season with a convincing 87 to 68 win over the Inner West Bulls.

Ella Dent was once again a standout performance, scoring 27 points, along with an impressive four steals, five rebounds and six assists on an efficient 50% shooting.

Emilia Garcia was also a key part of the Hawks offence, scoring a respective 14 points and seven rebounds, along with a steal and an incredible five blocks. Chelsea Hogg is an honourable mention for the Hawks with 15 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals.

The Illawarra Hawks will look to bounce back, especially with the likes of Harry Morris available for selection next weekend when the Newcastle Falcons visit The Snakepit Saturday June 3 at 7pm AEDT, with the women’s game preceding at 5pm AEDT.

Recently announced Hawks development player Biwali Bayles was solid in 22 minutes of play for the North Gold Coast Seahawks, scoring 12 points, six rebounds, three assists along with a steal.

Bayles has been an offensive mainstay for the Seahawks this season, averaging 17 points along with 6 assists and 5 rebounds in ten games, and will look to carry this reliable form into the NBL24 season for the Illawarra Hawks.

The Seahawks face the Red City Roar next Saturday June 3 at 7pm, as Bayles looks to continue his solid form on the Gold Coast. 

Hawks assistant coach Lachie Lonergan secured Wani Swaka Lo Buluk’s services for the Sydney Comets, where he is currently taking on Head Coaching duties during the off season. 

Swaka Lo Buluk’s debut as a Comet was impressive to say the least, with an incredible game high 33 points complimented by seven rebounds, two assists and two steals ensuring the Comets stayed in the fight, eventually going down to Albury-Wodonga 97-104.

The 21-year-old’s second game was strong, scoring 14 points on an efficient night of shooting at 50%, along with four rebounds, five assists and a steal in a 94-115 loss to the BA Centre of Excellence.

The Comets will play at home against the Inner West Bulls on Saturday June 3 for a 7:30pm tip off.