Illawarra Hawks demonstrated resilience in their latest NBL matchup, narrowly defeating the Tasmania JackJumpers 92-90 in a dramatic finish marked by a game-tying attempt by Bryce Hamilton being ruled out by mere milliseconds as the buzzer sounded.
The game began with Illawarra trailing 12-6, but they quickly regained momentum, surging ahead to lead 29-18. Tyler Harvey, returning from a two-week absence due to a back injury, contributed significantly, scoring 15 points, with 12 of those coming in the first half. Sam Froling, making an impactful return from a ruptured Achilles tendon, added a crucial put-back that extended the Hawks’ lead to eight points heading into the final break.
Despite the Hawks’ lead, Tasmania remained competitive, largely due to strong performances from Tyger Campbell with 18 points and Josh Bannan, who exploded for 25 points—17 of which came in a tense final quarter. The JackJumpers closed the gap to just one point with less than 25 seconds on the clock, setting the stage for a thrilling finish.
In a nail-biting endgame, Todd Blanchfield converted one of two free throws to give the Hawks a brief two-point advantage, but a crucial three-pointer from David Johnson failed to connect. Hamilton’s subsequent attempt to tie the game came just after the final buzzer, sealing the victory for Illawarra.
This victory keeps the defending champions within striking distance of a playoff spot, now sitting three wins behind the sixth-place JackJumpers, with 14 games left in the season. Hawks coach Justin Tatum reflected on the win, contrasting it with their previous year’s experience, asserting that the team is focused on building wins and reaching the top six.
JaVale McGee also contributed to the win with 16 points and six rebounds, while Froling excelled in his second game back with a strong line of 16 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists. Coach Tatum noted the need for improved ball control, acknowledging that too many turnovers nearly cost them the game.
On the other hand, Tasmania’s coach Scott Roth expressed pride in his team’s effort despite the loss, emphasizing their determination and the positive aspects of their performance. He acknowledged the missed opportunities but remains optimistic about the team’s fighting spirit as they continue to push forward in the season. This display of tenacity from both teams promises an exciting remainder of the NBL season.