Round 5: Hawks vs United

There is only one place to be this Saturday evening in Wollongong as the Hawks feature in Halloween Hoops against Melbourne United.

Challenging times present great opportunities, and your hometown Hawks are ready to arrest a 3-game slide in front of a loud and proud Hawks Nation crowd.

The home and away series against the Bullets is in the rear vision mirror, and the group's attention is set on bringing a new level of energy at 5:30 pm Saturday.

New Hawks import Peyton Siva will be better for the run-on Thursday night and can expect some extended minutes in his first game in front of the home faithful.

Siva connected on three attempts from the perimeter to go along with five assists against the Bullets, with the Hawks again led by Deng Deng with an 11-point, 11-rebound double-double.

The call for Hawk Nation to Protect the Pit has never been louder. Purchase your tickets from Ticketmaster today to secure your seat.

Keep a Hawks Eye On

Tonight – it's a total team effort.

The Hawks pride has taken a hit in the last fortnight, and the United clash is an early season statement game for the playing and coaching group.

From the opening tip, the starting five need to set the tone and ensure United knows they are in for a long night.

Look to the leaders in Harvey and Froling to lead from the front, with Siva, Swaka Lo Buluk, and Deng to follow their lead in the early stages.

When the substitutions begin to roll, the torch will be passed to King, Dent, and Mathiang to lead the second unit and attack a United side that has itself experienced a challenging fortnight.

Don't miss the opening tip tomorrow evening, as it will be an all-out assault from your Hawks as they seek to right the wrongs of results passed.

Opposition Watch

No team has experienced more turnover than United since the end of the NBL22 season.

Melbourne saw starters in Dellavedova, White, and Lual-Aciul head overseas before losing German Next Star, Ariel Hukporti, on the eve of the new season.

NBL veterans Chris Goulding, David Barlow, and Brad Newley continue to play important roles for Melbourne, with Goulding’s three-point shooting capable of turning a game on its head at any stage.

Former Hawks guard Xavier Rathan-Mayes returns to the WIN Entertainment Centre in opposition colours for the first time, with the import leading United in points, rebounds, and assists across their first six outings.

United currently sits 8th on the NBL ladder with a 2 and 6 record, just one game ahead of the Hawks.

Protect the Pit

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

Tip-off 5:30 pm – tickets from $30, and $70 for families, available through Ticketmaster now.