The Illawarra Hawks scored a thumping 31-point win at home over the New Zealand Breakers.
Final score
Illawarra Hawks 109
New Zealand Breakers 78
The Illawarra Hawks and the New Zealand Breakers will go head to head this afternoon to round out the weekend of NBL action. Join The Roar for live scores from the match and a blog of the game, starting from 3pm.
Both of these sides have been motoring along steadily this season but not necessarily living up to the wildest dreams of their fans – the Hawks, in particular, have been a bit disappointing, holding only a 4-6 record at this stage after finishing last season in fine form.
The Breakers, runners-up to the Wildcats last year, are currently second on the NBL table but not by any great margin – they hold a 6-4 record which is even with that of the Brisbane Bullets and the Perth Wildcats in third and fourth.
They come into the match in excellent form though, having won five of their last six – against the Adelaide 36ers 119-93, Melbourne United 98-92, the Brisbane Bullets 86-70, the Perth Wildcats by a single point in overtime, and this week against the Hawks at home 100-85.
Their only loss in that time came against the Cairns Taipans at home where they were stunned by a 79-86 result.
The Hawks have really only had middling results so far this season, with the most impressive win on their ledger being against the Perth Wildcats in Round 4, who they knocked off by five points at home.
Given that these two sides met earlier this weekend for a 15-point win to the Breakers, they will need to rouse some belief in themselves that they can bounce back from that loss and get the win here.
Prediction
A close call here, but home court advantage may be enough for the Hawks to get the win.
Illawarra Hawks by 4 points.
Join The Roar for live scores from the match and a blog of the game, starting from 3pm.
Connor Bennett
Editor
This is the first time in five years and 87 away games that the Breakers have conceded 100 points on the road, against any team.
Connor Bennett
Editor
Second place gets hammered by 31 and now the wooden spooners from last season sit on top of the league? It's impossible for tipping or betting so far this season!!
Connor Bennett
Editor
Scott Pryde
Expert
I just can't work out this league...
Connor Bennett
Editor
FULLTIME Webster pulls up for three on the last play of the game but misses the shot and that tells the story of the night for the Breakers. Coming into the game in second place, the Hawks have walked all over them to win by an astonishing 31 points. Illawarra won every quarter and did so convincingly. The Breakers simply couldn't shut down the Hawks offence who were firing on all cylinders. A low scoring affair as well for the Breakers who will need to improve big time for next round. Hawks – 109 Breakers – 78
Connor Bennett
Editor
Q4' Into the final minute now and both sides are happy to let the clock run down. The contest has been long decided but the Hawks might want to finish it off with a bang. Hawks – 109 Breakers – 78
Connor Bennett
Editor
Q4' Stockton floats one in for the Breakers, charging into the paint and rolling it off the fingertips. Hawks – 107 Breakers – 78
Connor Bennett
Editor
Q4' Clarke lands the mid range jumper for two more on the personal tally, and the lead once again slides up over 30 points. Not many would have called this scoreline before tip-off. Hawks – 107 Breakers – 76
Connor Bennett
Editor
Q4' ELLIS FOR THREE!! The Hawks are just doing this for fun now as Ellis lights up for three on the right edge. The lead passes 30... but falls back under as the Breakers hit three of their own!! It's too little too late though. Hawks – 105 Breakers – 76
Connor Bennett
Editor
Q4' BIG THREE!! The Hawks make 100 thanks to a long range bomb from Rodney Clarke!! Making it look easy from a long way out and the home crowd let out a big cheer as the stadium gives out free cheeseburgers at triple figures. Hawks – 102 Breakers – 73
Connor Bennett
Editor
Q4' Kevin White hitting two from two at the free throw line for the Hawks. The Breakers looking to hit back as Penney pulls up for the three beyond the arc... but it's an air ball!! The story of the night for New Zealand. Hawks – 99 Breakers – 73
Connor Bennett
Editor
Q4' Vukona gives up the foul on the Hawks fast break, sending Norton to the line. He makes two from two and closes in on triple figures for the home side. Hawks – 97 Breakers – 73
Connor Bennett
Editor
Q4' THREE FOR THE BREAKERS!! They aren't giving up and they need a lot more of these if they want to somehow get back in this contest. Kirk Penney delivers the long range bomb. Hawks – 93 Breakers – 73
Connor Bennett
Editor
Q4' Nick Kay again!! He has the last six points in a row... and now it's Martin who sinks the three after a quick turnover and transition!! The Breakers are looking hapless right now. Hawks – 93 Breakers – 70
Connor Bennett
Editor
Q4' Nick Kay for the Hawks again!! He adds two more to the tally on the fast break lay up off the steal at the other end of the court. Illawarra continue to cause havoc everywhere across the court. Hawks – 88 Breakers – 68
Connor Bennett
Editor
Q4' Stockton delivering the pass for the alley-oop once again!! It was a beautiful pass up to the rim, but Delany just can't get a grip on the ball and duffs it. Hawks – 86 Breakers – 68
Connor Bennett
Editor
Q4' Kay on the fastbreak for the Hawks. He has defence coming down on him... but he lands the layup after being pushed!! What a finish off the glass despite falling down over the back line. He'll get a chance at the free throw and sinks it accordingly for the three-point play. Hawks – 86 Breakers – 68
Connor Bennett
Editor
Q4' Mitchell looking to go again under the rim, but he's fouled this time and will go to the line for a pair of free throws. Makes no mistake on the first, and sinks the second as well. Hawks – 83 Breakers – 68
Connor Bennett
Editor
FOURTH QUARTER New Zealand waste no time in their charge!! ALLEY-OOP!! Stockton feeds the pass to Mitchell who times his jump perfectly and jams it home with convincing fashion, even getting a cheer from the home crowd. Hawks – 83 Breakers – 66
Connor Bennett
Editor