Round 15: Hawks vs JackJumpers

Round 15 of the NBL23 season begins on our home floor at WIN Entertainment Centre as the Hawks ready themselves for a showdown with the JackJumpers.

The Hawks have started the new year with three close encounters, and Tuesday night’s match-up with Tasmania shapes as more of the same.

After pushing the Wildcats and Taipans to the brink in back-to-back outings, the Hawks led the 36ers into the final minutes on Friday night.

In an all too familiar tale, the Hawks lost import Michael Frazier II to a forearm fracture in the first quarter, joining Peyton Siva on the sidelines for the remainder of the season.

Deng Deng filled the void against the 36ers with a season-high 19 points and seven rebounds. Tyler Harvey led the Hawks with 22 points, and Sam Froling continued his stellar run of form against the frontcourt duo of Johnson and Sotto.

The match-up with the JackJumpers tips off a big week for the red, black, and white with a road trip to Cairns on Friday night before the final instalment of the Freeway Series on Sunday afternoon against the ladder-leading Kings.

Keep a Hawk Eye On

 Generation Next.

The injuries to Siva and Frazier II have had Coach Jackomas searching deep into his bench, and his young brigade has not disappointed.

Davo Hickey has cemented himself in the rotation with a mix of flair and athleticism, and Dan Grida continues to improve and grow in confidence with every outing.

Lachie Dent has returned to the starting line-up after his blistering start to the NBL23, and Wani Swaka Lo Buluk has embraced his sixth-man role and is coming off one of his better performances for the season against Adelaide.

Alex Mudronja, Akoldah Gak, and local junior Harry Morris are all ready when their name is called. With the starters being asked to play big minutes, the trio might have their chance to contribute against a well-coached and deep JackJumpers squad.

Opposition Watch

 Tasmania enters Round 15 in a battle to keep a hold on fourth position on the ladder.

The team from the Apple Isle are in a group of five teams vying for the final three spots in the playoff picture.

Scott Roth’s team are led by import forward Milton Doyle, who has played himself into All-NBL team contention, with Magette, McVeigh, Kelly, and Magney all capable of game-winning performances on their day.

Tuesday night's match-up begins a defining week for Tasmania, who returns to face a 36ers team snapping at their heels for a playoff position.

Protect the Pit

We are calling on all of Hawk Nation to turn out in force and "Protect the Pit."

Tip-off 7:30 pm – tickets from $30, and $70 for families, available through Ticketmaster now.