The Illawarra Hawks pulled off a dramatic victory against the Tasmania JackJumpers on New Year’s Eve, narrowly escaping a tense final-second situation that left fans and commentators buzzing with excitement. After trailing 92-90, the JackJumpers believed they had equalized the score thanks to a shot from Bryce Hamilton. However, replays indicated that Hamilton had not released the ball in time, causing the basket to be disallowed and preserving the Hawks’ win at the WIN Entertainment Centre.
The game was filled with close moments, particularly the controversial final shot. “Was that good?” questioned commentator Damon Lowery, as the buzzer-beater attempt created a whirlwind of confusion. Fellow commentator Matt Russell chimed in, noting that the ball was still in Hamilton’s fingertips as the clock expired, allowing the Hawks to celebrate their hard-fought victory.
Having previously led by as much as 12 points during the match, the Hawks needed a video review of the JackJumpers’ last attempt to secure their seventh win of the season. Sam Froling, returning from a torn Achilles, made a significant impact with a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds, while JaVale McGee contributed 16 points, six rebounds, and six blocked shots.
Hawks coach Justin Tatum expressed optimism about the team’s future, stating, “Are we back? We’re close. Today we were very competitive, and as we keep being competitive during the rest of the season, and we find a way to get into that top six, then I’ll answer that question again.” Currently, the Hawks hold a 7-13 win-loss record, while Tasmania falls to 10-13.
JackJumpers forward Josh Bannan led all scorers with 25 points, supported by Tyger Campbell and Johnson, who contributed 18 and 16 points, respectively. Despite the loss, Tasmania’s coach Scott Roth praised his team’s effort, emphasizing their determination to keep fighting.
The game also featured some on-court drama as players had to be separated after a late second-quarter skirmish, resulting in technical fouls being issued to both Bannan and Peatling after a heated exchange.
In a night of milestones, Hawks players Davo Hickey and Wani Swaka Lo Buluk reached significant career marks, with Hickey making his 100th NBL appearance and Swaka Lo Buluk his 200th. Both players made crucial contributions down the stretch, aiding the Hawks in maintaining their lead.
As the Hawks kick off the New Year with renewed hope, fans look forward to seeing how this thrilling win will uplift their season moving forward. The festive atmosphere and competitive spirit witnessed during the game serves as a promising sign as they aim to build momentum in the weeks ahead.