Round 6: Hawks vs 36ers

Fresh off a double overtime epic on Saturday night, it's back to the hardwood for your Hawks in a Thursday night match-up against the Adelaide 36ers.

The Hawks regained their fight and offensive touch to push United right to the wire in front of the Hawks faithful and will look to go one better against a 36ers squad coming off back-to-back losses.

Five Hawks scored in double figures, led by co-captain Tyler Harvey with 21 points and a dominant 27 points and 15 rebound display by a rejuvenated Sam Froling.

It was Froling's most complete performance of the season, and he rides a wave of confidence leading into a match-up with the Adelaide front line led by Daniel Johnson and Robert Franks.

Peyton Siva logged 43 minutes in just his fourth day in the country and was the floor general the side has been missing in recent weeks. His 14 points, to go along with a game-high 11 assists, were critical in the improved performance of the squad.

Mathiang, Swaka Lo Buluk, and Deng Deng played key roles on the night, and although the victory escaped the side, there was plenty to build on for Jacob Jackomas and his coaching brigade heading into Thursday night.

Keep a Hawk Eye On

 Wani Swaka Lo Buluk.

Wani joined the Hawks after spending last season with the team some 80kms up the highway.

An athletic and tenacious defender, Swaka Lo Buluk is generally assigned the opposing teams best perimeter player, and things will be no different this Thursday night.

Craig Randall II enters Round 6 as the NBL’s leading scorer at 21.8 points per game and was the difference between the teams when they last met in Round 2.

Wani’s work on and off the ball, his ability to rebound and run the floor, and to stay a consistent option from the perimeter will be key for the Hawks as another complete team effort will be called upon against the 36ers.

Opposition Watch

 After a hot start, the 36ers arrive in Wollongong on a two-game losing streak.

An ambush at home from the Breakers was followed by a close contest with the Phoenix in Melbourne, and they will hit the WIN Entertainment Centre with an urgency to get the season back on track.

There is no shortage of talent or big names on the 36ers roster, with the import trip of Randall II, Franks and former Hawks Antonius Cleveland headlining the NBL23 squad.

Mitch McCarron, a Boomers teammate of Sam Froling, and reliable veteran Daniel Johnson are also ones to contain if the Hawks are to come away with the win.

The 36ers are led by one-time Hawk CJ Bruton and will be desperate for the result before they welcome arch-rivals the Perth Wildcats to the AEC on Saturday evening.

Protect the Pit

It’s your last chance to see the Hawks at home for four weeks, so 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.