Illawarra Hawks Rally to Defeat Tasmania JackJumpers After Home Losses
Illawarra Hawks overcame consecutive home losses to secure an 89-84 victory against the Tasmania JackJumpers, propelling them back to the top spot in the NBL standings. The Hawks have transformed their recent misfortune on their home court at the WIN Entertainment Centre, where they faced defeats to the South East Melbourne Phoenix and the Cairns Taipans.
With the weight of the recent losses heavy on their shoulders, the Hawks needed to produce a solid performance as they faced the defending champions, the JackJumpers. After enduring two disheartening home games, they were well aware of what was at stake.
This clash took place on Tuesday night, with the Hawks striving to regain their foothold against their North Tasmanian rivals who were experiencing their own bumps, having seen their impressive eight-game winning streak come to an end just days prior.
From the outset, it was clear this match would be fierce and competitive. The Hawks didn’t waste time, starting strong with contributions from Tyler Harvey and Sam Froling, who combined for significant early points. The home team quickly established momentum, leading 20-18 at the end of the first period. It wasn't until the second quarter, though, when the Hawks truly took control.
Illawarra managed to open up the game with impressive performances, outscoring the JackJumpers 27-13 through the second quarter. This surge allowed the Hawks to take command with Mason Peatling landing key three-pointers, bringing the halftime score to 49-36. During this explosive stretch, the Hawks shot 50% from the field, emphasizing their offensive strength compared to the JackJumpers' struggles, which saw them shooting only 35%.
Despite the JackJumpers’ immediate adjustments after the break, it was Illawarra’s initial offense and defense combination—tailored by coach Justin Tatum—that held firm. Even when Tasmania clawed back to reduce the deficit to just two points, the Hawks quickly responded, going on another scoring run to regain momentum.
Harvey hit two three-pointers before Wani Swaka Lo Buluk capped off the run, bringing the advantage back to ten points early in the fourth quarter. Although the JackJumpers showed heart and resilience, highlighted by Sean Macdonald's impressive 19-point effort, Illawarra's players were less inclined to let slips from their grips this time.
The tension mounted as the match drew to its conclusion, with Tasmania narrowing the gap to just three points after scoring moments from Majok Deng and Jordon Crawford. Yet, just as it seemed the last minutes might fall to chaos, the Hawks held their nerve, closing out the victory with deft plays, not allowing the defending champions to claim their footing.
After the match, coach Justin Tatum reflected on the victory: "It was extremely important because if you lose a game like this with the situation we're in, and it would have been potentially our third loss in-a-row," showcasing the mental resilience the team needed. The Hawks now sit atop the NBL with 14 wins and 7 losses, combining their efforts to regain their groove as they look to keep the championship hopes alive against the New Zealand Breakers this Saturday.
On the flip side, the JackJumpers are now faced with consecutive losses, leaving them at 11-10. Coach Scott Roth stated, "I’m pleased with the effort and I have been for the last two months… the fight was good," acknowledging the work ethic and determination of his squad, even though they fell short against the Hawks.
This engaging match reminds fans and players alike of the productiveness of teamwork within the league, emphasizing the idea of the Hawks composition rather than reliance on single standout performances. The know-how and crowd support at home made all the difference, giving Illawarra the boost they required to drop the JackJumpers below them for the moment.