Round 18: Hawks vs Breakers

It's home cooking from here on as your Hawks close out the season with back-to-back home games at WIN Entertainment Centre.

Thursday night sees the New Zealand Breakers hit town with Tyler Harvey's Round 16 game-winner still firmly top of mind for both sides.

The Hawks faced the Wildcats and the red army in Perth last Friday night. Despite taking a five-point lead into half-time, it was all Bryce Cotton in the second half leading the home side to a 106-86 victory.

Tyler Harvey and Sam Froling led the scoring again for the Hawks, with Deng Deng continuing to play an important supporting role with 14 points and six rebounds.

After the long flight home, the Hawks have had five days to recover and prepare for a Breakers team fighting for second place and home-court advantage in the early rounds of the playoffs.

The Round 16 game produced one of the season's best finishes, with Tyler Harvey's buzzer-beater recording the Hawk's most recent win.

Keep a Hawk Eye On

 Tyler Harvey.

No import has carried a greater load this season than the co-captain.

Harvey ranks second in minutes played at 33.8 per game and has been the primary focus of opposition teams' defences.

The smooth-shooting lefty has accepted every challenge thrown his way, and his 19 points per game lead the Hawks attack.

Harvey's heroics led the Hawks to victory in the last outing between these teams. Will history repeat itself on Thursday night? Hawk Nation will be hoping that win number 4 comes off the hot hand of one T. Harvey.

Opposition Watch

 The Breakers sit one game out of second place with two games remaining in the NBL23 season.

With three wins in a row and momentum on their side, the Breakers visit Wollongong and Brisbane with road wins pushing their case for a first-round bye and home-court advantage in the playoffs.

Brantley, Brown, and Pardon hold the key for Mody Maor's team, and they will look to use their length and size to rattle a young Hawks squad.

The Breakers have risen from last in NBL22 to title contenders in 12 months. With destiny in their hands, a Thursday night win will cement their championship credentials even further.

Protect the Pit

With two home games remaining it’s time to turn out and "Protect the Pit."

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