From 42-point Loss to Heartbreak: Hawks Show Resilience in Defeat to Adelaide
The Illawarra Hawks faced a narrow 90-88 loss to the Adelaide 36ers on Sunday afternoon, ending with a tense finish. After their franchise's equal-lowest score in recent games, the Hawks bounced back to play one of their best NBL26 matches.
With just 1.6 seconds remaining, Will 'Davo' Hickey had two free throws that could have tied the game but missed both attempts. Despite this, Hickey had an impressive performance, leading his team with 20 points, along with nine rebounds, eight assists, and four blocked shots. He was just one rebound and two assists shy of becoming the second indigenous player to record a triple-double.
Team Performance and Coach’s Remarks
Prior to this game, Illawarra had not won in Adelaide for four years. Head coach Justin Tatum was pleased with his team’s effort, especially given they had just lost 102-60 to the New Zealand Breakers 48 hours earlier in Wollongong.
"I tip my hat off to my team for coming back and having so much resilience and fighting them today. They gave a great effort on both ends of the floor, just a little bit unlucky," Tatum said.
Tatum expressed confidence in his squad’s future, stating,
"If my team plays like this every game from now on with a full, healthy roster, we can beat anybody."
Summary
The Hawks demonstrated great determination and improvement despite a narrow defeat, suggesting a promising outlook if their team stays healthy and consistent.