Defending NBL champs pip JackJumpers for crucial win
Murray Wenzel |
Illawarra’s NBL championship defence has avoided a major setback after Bryce Hamilton’s game-tying attempt was waved away in a 92-90 win against Tasmania.
The Hawks trailed 12-6 after a sloppy opening but rallied to lead 29-18 in Wednesday’s New Year’s Eve exchange, before holding off the visitors in a tense final two quarters.
Tyler Harvey (15 points) fired after two weeks on the sidelines with a back injury posting 12 first-half points, while a Sam Froling put-back gave the Hawks an eight-point lead at the final break.
But turnovers that led to buckets for Tyger Campbell (18 points) and Josh Bannan (25 points, 17 in the last quarter) kept the JackJumpers close, the latter making it a one-point game inside the final 25 seconds.
Todd Blanchfield made one-of-two free throws to give the hosts a two-point lead before David Johnson’s three-pointer rimmed out and Hamilton’s second effort came just after the final buzzer had sounded.
Victory meant the defending champions (7-13) stayed within three wins of the sixth-placed JackJumpers (10-13), with 14 games to play.
“Last year we lost to South East (Melbourne) at this time. This is a better feeling, this time I can go outside and woosah (chill out) a little bit,” Hawks coach Justin Tatum said.
“This’ll be a better turn out than last year.
“It’s about how many wins can we build to make that top six and contend for our title again
“It’s doable, but our goals is to go one game at a time.”
JaVale McGee had 16 points and six rebounds while Froling starred with 16 points, 10 rebounds and four assists in his second game back from a ruptured Achilles tendon.
“He did a good job, just too many turnovers,” Tatum cheekily said of Froling.
“He went from 23 to 28 minutes this game and that’s around about where we want to keep him at.
“If he stays that efficient we have a chance to do some good things.”
Tasmania coach Scott Roth said their hectic schedule couldn’t be blamed, lamenting a handful of missed opportunities in another close loss.
“It was all positive. Played our arse off. It’s all good by me. We keep showing up the fight,” he said.
“Pleasing but frustrating … but the fight’s real.”
AAP
