From 42-Point Loss to Heartbreak: Hawks Show Resilience in Defeat to Adelaide
The Illawarra Hawks faced a tough 90-88 loss to the Adelaide 36ers on Sunday afternoon, despite a strong performance following their near-record low score earlier in the season. The game came down to the final seconds, with Will "Davo" Hickey missing two crucial free throws that could have tied the match with just 1.6 seconds remaining.
Hickey's Near Triple-Double Performance
Hickey put on an impressive display, leading his team with 20 points, along with nine rebounds, eight assists, and four blocked shots. He was just one rebound and two assists shy of becoming only the second Indigenous player to record a triple-double in the league.
Team Resilience After Recent Setback
Before this game, Illawarra had not won in Adelaide for four years. The Hawks were coming off a devastating 102-60 defeat to the New Zealand Breakers just 48 hours earlier, but showed significant improvement and determination in this matchup.
Coach Justin Tatum's Take
"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."
"If my team plays like this every game from now on with a full, healthy roster, we can beat anybody."
Tatum expressed satisfaction with the team's response to their previous defeat and highlighted their fighting spirit in Adelaide.
Author's summary: Despite a narrow loss, the Illawarra Hawks showed strong resilience and promise, led by Hickey’s near triple-double and the coach’s hopeful outlook for the rest of the season.
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