The Illawarra Hawks’ NBL title defence hit a brand new low on Saturday night time because the reigning champions suffered an embarrassing 93-76 loss to an under-strength Cairns Taipans at WIN Leisure Centre.
Watch stay protection of NBL and WNBL 2025-26 seasons with ESPN on Kayo Sports activities | New to Kayo? Be part of now and get your first month for simply $1.
Seemingly again on observe after a 113-109 additional time victory over South East Melbourne Phoenix on Thursday, the Hawks under-estimated the cellar-dwelling Taipans, who had been with out a number of key gamers together with Australian Boomers ahead Jack McVeigh.
It was the sixth straight time the Hawks have misplaced instantly after an additional time recreation and left them languishing with a 5-10 win-loss document earlier than they host Brisbane in Wollongong subsequent Thursday night time.
In one of many upsets of the season, the Hawks had no solutions to the Taipans’ swarming, suffocating defence, physicality at each ends of the ground, and all-court hustle.
After giving up 27 offensive rebounds in opposition to Phoenix on Thursday night time, the Hawks had been nearly as ineffective on the glass in opposition to Cairns.
The Hawks had been out-rebounded 26-13 total within the first half, when the sport was nonetheless a contest, and 43-39 by full-time. They allowed 13 offensive rebounds, together with some essential boards late within the fourth quarter once they had been attempting to mount a comeback.
Cairns led by 23 factors late within the third quarter and, regardless of a Hawks rally early within the fourth which lower the deficit to 78-72 halfway by means of the interval, the Taipans (4-12) held on for simply their fourth win of the season.
Sluggish begin
Simply 48 hours after their 113-109 additional time victory over Phoenix on the identical venue, the Hawks appeared flat and slightly flustered in a back-and-forth first quarter.
After eight lead modifications, scores had been tied 20-20 on the first break as each groups struggled to determine sufficient cohesion to take management.
Sparked by guard Andrew Andrews, who had 15 factors within the first half, Cairns opened the second time period on a 7-0 run then prolonged their result in 34-24 by the center of the quarter.
Consecutive three-pointers by Kyrin Galloway and Andrews stretched the Taipans’ result in 44-29, forcing Hawks coach Justin Tatum to name a outing with 2min 22sec on the clock, nevertheless it had little influence as Cairns took a 49-34 benefit into half-time.
Melb United fall to spirited Wildcats | 00:56
“We simply had a superb FIBA break, a variety of guys received some relaxation, then Coach (Adam Forde) got here again and gave us a brand new recreation plan coming in,” Andrews informed Fox Sports activities at half-time.
“We received two weeks to organize and get our minds proper, and we tried to make a push at it.”
Andrews completed with an equal career-high 27 factors, together with 5 three-pointers, and was ably assisted by Admiral Schofield (17 factors, 11 rebounds), Galloway (16 factors, 14 rebounds), and Mojave King and Marcus Lee (12 factors every).
Oh, child
The Taipans arrived in Wollongong with out star low season recruit Jack McVeigh, who stayed residence in Cairns to be along with his spouse, Beth, for the start of their first youngster.
An Australian consultant and NBL championship-winner with Tasmania, McVeigh has averaged 20.2 factors, 6.8 rebounds and 5.1 assists a recreation in 12 appearances in his first season with Cairns however they received the job accomplished with out their predominant man.
Injured guard Reyne Smith (foot) and ahead Sam Waardenburg (ankle) additionally missed the sport for Cairns however are as a consequence of return later this month, however Alex Higgins-Titsha (wrist) is out for the remainder of the season.
Grida will get his groove again
It has been a troublesome season to date for Hawks guard Dan Grida, who has had a number of stints on the sidelines coping with concussion signs.
However Grida’s influence off the bench within the third quarter gave Hawks followers one thing to cheer about on an in any other case depressing night time.
The person with the magnificent mullet scored 12 of his career-high 18 factors within the third quarter, regardless of taking some heavy hits whereas driving to the basket.
Grida led the Hawks in scoring, out-pointing teammates JaVale McGee (17 factors, 11 rebounds), Tyler Harvey (12) and Davo Hickey (10 factors, 11 rebounds, seven assists).
SLOW STARTING JACKJUMPERS FALL TO BREAKERS
The New Zealand Breakers have despatched a reminder of its energy to the remainder of the NBL with a giant win over the Tasmania JackJumpers.
From the opening tip, the Breakers had been dominant after beginning with a 12-0 run and by no means let up as they jumped into the top-six with a 99-86 win.
The JackJumpers had been a shadow of their finest with the strain amped up by the Breakers because the travelling facet did not land a shot till the six minute mark of the opening time period.
The win helped the Breakers leapfrog the JackJumpers into sixth spot whereas Tasmania now sit seventh.
Tasmania’s captain Will Magnay performed his finest recreation of the season nevertheless it wasn’t sufficient to carry the travelling facet.
New Zealand’s Izaiah Brockington completed with a game-high 22 factors to go along with his 4 rebounds and 4 assists nevertheless it was the Breakers captain Parker Jackson-Cartwright who arrange his teammates with 12 assists.
The Breakers now head on the street for 4 video games to complete 2025 whereas the JackJumpers have two extra street video games earlier than internet hosting the Breakers on Boxing Day.
Breakers closing in on Ignite Cup remaining! | 00:55
Mennenga slam dunk
The New Zealand tall did it early within the first quarter however nothing in comparison with halfway by means of the third the place Sam Mennenga put a press release by means of the ring along with his left hand. Breaking by means of the JackJumpers defence, Mennenga slammed down a one handed dunk excessive of a defender.
Magnay again to his finest
Damage has plagued Magnay in latest seasons however the JackJumpers skipper appeared again at his finest. Magnay completed with 18 factors, seven rebounds and two assists nevertheless it was his 4 blocks that had been a speaking level. The Jackies captain had three blocks inside the primary 5 minutes, with two of these coming inside seven seconds of one another.
Capturing radar off
The Breakers burst out of the blocks which was helped by the travelling facet struggling to hit a bucket because the Breakers had a 12-0 begin. It went from dangerous to worse all through the sport for the JackJumpers who completed with a taking pictures proportion of 38. Regardless of a second quarter fightback, the JackJumpers merely weren’t ok to beat the deficit.
Tyger tamed
It was a recreation level guard Tyger Campbell want to overlook after he failed to fireside. The often influential import completed with simply two factors, two rebounds and two assists. The JackJumpers will want him to return to his finest if they’re to knock off South East Phoenix on Wednesday night time.