UPDATE: Heartbreak struck the Illawarra Hawks as they suffered a devastating overtime loss to the South East Melbourne Phoenix on July 15, 2023. The final score was 124-113 after a fierce battle that had fans on the edge of their seats.
The Hawks fought valiantly, with Nathan Sobey leading the Phoenix to victory, scoring a remarkable 37 points, along with six rebounds and four assists. His performance in overtime was critical, delivering a powerful dunk that sealed the win for the Phoenix, marking their 16th victory of the season.
Despite the loss, the Hawks showed promise with strong performances from Sam Froling and QJ Peterson, each contributing 22 points. The game, which extended into overtime after a nail-biting finish, highlighted both teams’ resilience and skill.
The tension escalated as the game came to its climax, with the Hawks tied at 106-106 thanks to a last-second shot from Peterson. However, the momentum shifted in overtime as the Phoenix scored nine unanswered points, creating a gap the Hawks struggled to close.
Angus Glover played a pivotal role for the Phoenix, scoring 22 points and hitting crucial three-pointers, including one that propelled the home team into the lead. His sharpshooting was instrumental in the Phoenix’s strategy against their rivals.
Illawarra’s performance was characterized by impressive shooting, hitting 41 of their 80 attempts, yet their 19 turnovers proved to be detrimental, allowing the Phoenix to take nearly 20 more shots than the Hawks.
The Hawks now stand at an 8-14 record for the season, but this game marks one of their better performances in the NBL26. Coach and players expressed optimism despite the heartbreaking outcome, recognizing the potential for growth and improvement.
Looking ahead, the Hawks will need to address their ball-handling issues as they prepare for upcoming matches. Fans are eager to see if the team can build on this performance and secure crucial wins in their fight for playoff contention.
This thrilling clash not only showcased the high stakes of the NBL but also the emotional investment of both teams and their supporters. As the season progresses, every game becomes increasingly vital, and the Hawks will be looking to bounce back in their next matchup.
