Hawks Dominate Bullets in Record-Breaking Victory
The Illawarra Hawks celebrated a monumental victory over the Brisbane Bullets, securing a decisive 113-75 win that kept their NBL finals hopes alive. This formidable performance is not just a testament to their skills on the court but also comes shortly after the announcement of a new arena to enhance their home games.
Hawks Dominate Bullets: A Record-Breaking Performance
Sitting seventh in the NBL rankings with a 10-16 record, the Hawks have demonstrated potential with their latest victory. This win marks their largest point margin this season and signals their intent to secure a playoff spot, with seven games still to play.
New Arena and Future Expectations
The Hawks’ victory coincides with a major announcement from the NSW Government regarding the redevelopment of the WIN Entertainment Centre in Wollongong. The new facility will nearly double its capacity to 9,500 spectators, with a $17 million investment to develop a comprehensive business plan. Enhancements to WIN Stadium will also occur, including upgrades and new construction in the sports precinct.
- New arena capacity: 9,500 spectators
- Investment by NSW Government: $17 million
- Revamp includes a new grandstand and southern plaza
Game Highlights and Player Performances
The Hawks began the game strong, leading 22-11 by the end of the first quarter. Despite a slow development early on, player contributions from the bench ignited the main squad. Noteworthy performances included:
- Davo Hickey: 17 points, 7 assists
- JaVale McGee: 18 points, 10 rebounds
- Tyler Harvey: 22 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists
- QJ Peterson: 15 points, including 3 three-pointers
The Hawks set a new NBL record by making all 27 of their free throw attempts, surpassing the previous record of 25 set by the Melbourne Tigers in 1994. The 38-point margin of victory represented the Hawks’ largest road win since 2003. Additionally, they scored 41 points in the third quarter—an impressive achievement in the 10-minute format era post-2010.
Upcoming Schedule
The Hawks’ road to the playoffs will not be easy. They face a derby match against Sydney on Thursday and will host Perth in Wollongong shortly after. Their schedule includes:
- Thursday: Match against Sydney
- Saturday: Home game versus Perth
- Next Thursday: Game against Adelaide
- Following Saturday: Match against the Breakers in New Zealand
As the Hawks aim to maintain their momentum, this recent victory positions them favorably for the crucial matches ahead in their quest for playoff qualification.
