From 42-point loss to heartbreak: Hawks show resilience in defeat to Adelaide

From 42-Point Loss to Heartbreak: Hawks Show Resilience in Defeat to Adelaide

Heartbreak struck the Illawarra Hawks after a narrow 90-88 loss to the Adelaide 36ers on Sunday afternoon. Despite recently recording their equal-lowest score in franchise history, the Hawks delivered one of their best performances of NBL26.

With only 1.6 seconds remaining, Will "Davo" Hickey had the opportunity to tie the game with two free throws but missed both. Hickey, affectionately known as Davo, led the team with 20 points, alongside nine rebounds, eight assists, and four blocked shots.

He fell just one rebound and two assists short of becoming the second Indigenous player in the league to achieve a triple-double.

Challenging History and a Strong Response

Illawarra had not won in Adelaide for four years. Head coach Justin Tatum was pleased with his team’s effort, especially coming just 48 hours after a heavy 102-60 loss to the New Zealand Breakers in Wollongong.

"I tip my hat off to my team for coming back and having so much resilience and fighting them today. They gave a great effort on both ends of the floor, just a little bit unlucky," Tatum said.

"If my team plays like this every game from now on with a full, healthy roster, we can beat anybody."

The Hawks showed great determination, suggesting a promising future if they maintain this level of play.

Author’s summary: The Illawarra Hawks demonstrated strong character and resilience in a close loss to Adelaide, highlighting potential for better results with a full roster.

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Illawarra Mercury Illawarra Mercury — 2025-11-02

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