The Illawarra Hawks came away with a seven-point win on Saturday night but it proved to be a much closer match than was expected by most.
History told us that the Crocs didn’t stand a chance in this one, everything pointed to it being a one sided affair. Throw in that Kirk Penney was returning and you would have been laughed at if you picked this one being a nail biter.
Tonight again confirmed to us all why the NBL is back in a big way and why she’s here to stay.
Townsville hadn’t been able to get off to a fast start in any game against Illawarra all season but those signs looked diminished when they jumped out with the Hawks in an offensive showdown. After the first they found themselves down by 3 (25-22).
It was much of the same throughout the entirety of the game, Illawarra dominating from behind the arc whilst Townsville gobbled up every single rebound in sight. The Hawks defensive press paid huge dividends as the Crocs committed 19 turnovers compared to the Hawks’ 9.
Monster games from Jordair Jett (19 points + 4 assists) and Nicholas Kay (24 points + 15 rebounds) kept the Crocs in the contest at every turn.
The Crocs refused to die and actually had the Hawks on the ropes deep into the fourth quarter. But Illawarra are a champion side and champion sides just find a way to win, clutch shots from big name players sent the game into overtime and from there the maturity shone through.
Townsville can walk away with their heads held high after that effort and they should, they’ll learn a lot from this game.
Illawarra can now breath a small sigh of relief as a top 3 finish is all but confirmed, they now get a nice rest before the Adelaide 36ers come to town for their final game before playoffs.
Final score
Illawarra Hawks 104
Townsville Crocodiles 97
The Illawarra Hawks and the Townsville Crocodiles will do battle tonight in what the betting markets have listed as a completely one-sided affair. Join The Roar for all the action from 7:30pm (AEDT).
Illawarra currently occupy third place on the NBL ladder and will be looking to continue their recent run of success over the Crocs. In the last three meetings between the two sides the Hawks have an average winning margin of 23.3 points.
While Townsville has managed to topple all other NBL championship contenders (United, Wildcats, 36ers) their struggles against the Hawks are worrisome. The fast-paced spread-the-floor offence the Hawks run always undoes the Crocs.
The return of Kirk Penney to the Hawks line-up will be crucial and should allow AJ Ogilvy more offence freedom. Ogilvy – who was leading the MVP race early on in the season – has slowed over the last month however his form against the Crocs mirrors his side’s.
The Hawks lost their first home match in eight starts on Thursday night against Melbourne United but will look to get back to their winning ways in Wollongong and make it a 4-0 clean sweep over the Crocodiles.
While the offence will need to be firing for the Crocs it’s at the defensive end that they’ll really have to be locked in. The play of Jordair Jett and Clint Steindl will be crucial to the outcome of this game.
While ladder position isn’t a concern for Townsville, Illawarra can secure third place with a victory before a final round game against the 36ers at home.
The Crocodiles still have three matches to play including this one, but are well short of finals in seventh place and five wins behind the Adelaide 36ers. All they can hope for is to overtake the Cairns Taipans into sixth but even that would require their fellow reptiles to lose both of their remaining matches.
Prediction
Illawarra Hawks by 14
James McKern
Roar Guru
Thanks for tuning in Roarers. One more game left in Round 18 (Breakers v Taipans) before the penultimate round and then it's playoff time!
James McKern
Roar Guru
Full Time Report (Hawks 104 def Crocs 97) What an epic win. History told us that the Crocs didn't stand a chance in this one, everything pointed to it being a one sided affair. Throw in that Kirk Penney was returning and you would have been laughed at if you picked this one being a nail biter. Tonight again confirmed to us all why the NBL is back in a big way and why she's here to stay. Townsville hadn't been able to get off to a fast start in any game against Illawarra all season but those signs looked diminished when they jumped out with the Hawks in an offensive showdown. After the first they found themselves down by 3 (25-22). It was much of the same throughout the entirety of the game, Illawarra dominating from behind the arc whilst Townsville gobbled up every single rebound in sight. The Hawks defensive press paid huge dividends as the Crocs committed 19 turnovers compared to the Hawks 9. Monster games from Jordair Jett (19 points + 4 assists) and Nicholas Kay (24 points + 15 rebounds) kept the Crocs in the contest at every turn. The Crocs refused to die and actually had the Hawks on the ropes deep into the fourth quarter. But Illawarra are a champion side and champion sides just find a way to win, clutch shots from big name players sent the game into overtime and from there the maturity shone through. Townsville can walk away with their heads held high after that effort and they should, they'll learn a lot from this game heading into their final round games. Illawarra can now breath a small sigh of relief as a Top 3 finish is all but confirmed, they now get a nice rest before the Adelaide 36ers come to town for their final game before playoffs. Can Rob Beveridge continue this fairy tale season for Illawarra and ride it all the way to the title? Stay tuned to find out.
James McKern
Roar Guru
Absolutely incredible turnaround. Rob Beveridge is a genius and this team looks set to make a genuine push for the title. Can't wait for Finals to start!
James McKern
Roar Guru
Full Time Stats (Hawks 104 - Crocs 97) Field Goals: Hawks 35/72 (48.6%) - Crocs 38/77 (49.4%) 3 Point: Hawks 15/31 (48.4%) - Crocs 6/20 (30%) Free Throws: Hawks 19/23 (82.6%) - Crocs 15/16 (93.8%) Rebounds: Hawks 23 (8 Offensive) - Crocs 46 (17 Offensive) Assists: Hawks 19 - Crocs 14 Turnovers: Hawks 9 - Crocs 19 Steals: Hawks 14 - Crocs 2 Blocks: Hawks 8 - Blocks 2
Scott Pryde
Expert
What an awesome win for the Hawks. What a turn around this season, after being in voluntary administration before the seasons started. Wow, I'm so pumped for the finals.
James McKern
Roar Guru
Illawarra Hawks 104 defeat Townsville Crocs 97 Man of the Match: Kevin Lisch & Kirk Penney Lisch finished with 29 points on 10/20 shooting (4/8 from deep), 2 rebounds, 2 assists Penney finished with 28 points on 10/16 shooting (5/9 from deep), 2 rebounds, 1 assist.
James McKern
Roar Guru
FULL TIME Hawks: 104 Crocs: 97 My oh my, what a game! The Hawks pull it off and sweep the season series vs the Crocs who battled incredibly hard all night. Stats, Man of the Match and report to come.
James McKern
Roar Guru
OT 0' Hawks: 104 Crocs: 97 Crocs can't successfully get the ball in bounds as Rhys Martin takes it away, cleverly puts up a 3 point attempt whilst fouled. Makes all three of them and this one is near on over. Crocs go for a huge three but time expires and the Hawks have done it.
James McKern
Roar Guru
OT 0' Hawks: 101 Crocs: 97 AJ Ogilvy forces the turnover. Jett tried to drive around but brilliant body position and now it's Hawks ball. Everyone is on their feet. Off the inbound the Hawks luckily get the ball in and Penney is fouled almost straight away. Off the inbound again it's Penney who is fouled and this time he'll head to the free throw line. Makes these it's almost curtains. Cool as the flip side of the pillow as he goes 2/2
James McKern
Roar Guru
OT 0' Hawks: 99 Crocs: 97 Lisch sinks the free throw and the Crocs call the timeout. 35.6 seconds left on the clock, what can Shawn Dennis draw up here?
James McKern
Roar Guru
OT 1' Hawks: 98 Crocs: 97 Another couple of loose possessions from both teams and the Crocs are forced into another turnover. Brilliant defense from AJ. Hawks take the lead inside the last minute thanks to a Lisch layup with contact, free throw to come.
James McKern
Roar Guru
OT 1' Hawks: 96 Crocs: 97 Maynard puts the moves on Ogilvy and gets past him before making the layup, what a drive. Penney mishandles but luckily for Illawarra the Crocs knock it out. Off the inbound Penney nails the big three. One point game
James McKern
Roar Guru
OT 2' Hawks: 93 Crocs: 95 The Jett continues to fly and he hasn't stopped attacking all night, Ogilvy though nullifies with a quick two. After the Crocs miss the Hawks try to fast break but Penney travels.
James McKern
Roar Guru
OT 3' Hawks: 91 Crocs: 93 After a Penney three misses, Lisch collects the board and then guides into the paint and makes the shot. This battle won't end!
James McKern
Roar Guru
OT 3' Hawks: 89 Crocs: 93 Crocs get the first possession and make it count, MItch Norton misses the runner but Kay gets another rebound. What a game from him. Hawks go early to AJ Ogilvy who can't capitalize and now the Crocs build on the lead with a Samhan jumper.
James McKern
Roar Guru
OT 5' Hawks: 89 Crocs: 89 Strap in guys, this one isn't over yet. 5 minutes of basketball to go.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Nothing more exciting than a game that goes to OT!
James McKern
Roar Guru
Q4 Full Time Hawks: 89 Crocs: 89 Ball is fed into Norton and after almost turning it over drives into the paint but Ogilvy stuffs his shot. Outlet to Rhys Martin who heaves from behind the halfway line but it falls short. We're going to OT.
James McKern
Roar Guru
Q4 19 seconds Hawks: 89 Crocs: 89 Penney just made a massive shot, this game is nail biting. Crocs timeout and they'll have the ball. Will they hold for the final shot? Can the Hawks force yet another turnover? I'm on the edge of my seat!!
James McKern
Roar Guru
Q4 0' Hawks: 86 Crocs: 89 The crowd is on the edge of their seats and the pressure has skyrocketed, Jordair Jett draws a foul and Crocs take the ball out. On the inbound Jett is fouled this time by Ogilvy. Norton drives baseline but fumbles and Hawks get the steal and KIRK PENNEY HAS LEVELED THE SCORES. The roof has just lifted off the building.