Round 10: Phoenix vs Hawks

The Hawks hit the road for a two-game away stretch off the back of their best performance of the season at home on Monday night.

The South East Melbourne Phoenix await at John Cain Arena on Thursday night as the Hawks look to win back-to-back games for the first time in NBL23.

The Hawks snapped their nine-game losing streak in emphatic fashion with a 93-79 result against United in front of a parochial and loyal home crowd.

Sam Froling led from the front and gave Melbourne United all they could handle in a dominant performance.

Froling exploded in the first quarter with 16 points on his way to a career-high 29-point outing on 11-17 from the field. It was a complete performance that included two 3-point makes and a team-high nine rebounds.

Michael Frazier II continued to impress with 16 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Coach Jackomas has been impressed with his ability to play multiple positions and create for himself and others.

The Hawks bench again played its part, and it was Davo Hickey who continued his impressive start to his Hawks career. Hickey, the smooth-moving combo guard from Cowra, finished with 10-3 and 2 assists while holding down the ball-handling duties once Peyton Siva fouled out early in the fourth.

The challenge that awaits is a big one. The Hawks have yet to find consistent performance when backing up on the road. However, with a full roster and the momentum and energy of a hometown win, the squad is well-placed to turn things around, starting with the Phoenix Thursday night.

Keep a Hawk eye on

Peyton Siva.

Siva will suit up for his 6th game as a member of the Hawks. A minor calf complaint kept him from the match-up with the Kings. However, he has been a steady and calming influence on the squad since donning the #8.

With a full arsenal at his disposal, Hawk Nation will see the best of Siva and his ability to initiate the offence.

His match-up with Gary Browne will be pivotal to our success at John Cain Arena, and his ability to win his position on the night will have the Hawks faithful dreaming of our first road victory of the season.

Opposition Watch

The Phoenix will welcome the Hawks to town fresh off a Throwdown victory against Melbourne United.

Gary Browne was dominant for the Phoenix and led the way with 17 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists.

The Phoenix boasts one of the NBL's deepest rosters, and the starting five of Browne, Kell, Williams, Broekhoff, and MVP contender Mitch Creek will continue to present challenges for the league at large.

How to Watch

Catch all the action from 7:30pm AEDT on ESPN via Kayo & Foxtel.

Hawks Socials

Follow all the action from Thursday night’s game, on the Hawks social media channels @illawarrahawks and use the hashtag ‘Hawk Nation’ when you share your pics and stories.