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

Hawks Show Resilience in Narrow Loss to Adelaide

Heartbreak struck the Illawarra Hawks during a hard-fought 90-88 defeat to the Adelaide 36ers on Sunday afternoon. Despite coming off their equal-lowest franchise score, the Hawks delivered what was possibly their best performance of NBL26.

Hickey’s Near Triple-Double Misses by a Small Margin

With just 1.6 seconds left, Will "Davo" Hickey had two free throws to level the game but missed both. Still, Hickey had an impressive outing, leading the team with 20 points, alongside nine rebounds, eight assists, and four blocks.

He fell short of achieving a triple-double by only one rebound and two assists, which would have made him the second Indigenous player to reach this feat.

Spirit Shines Despite Recent Struggles

The Hawks had not won in Adelaide for four years but showed strong character shortly after a 102-60 loss to the New Zealand Breakers.

Head coach Justin Tatum expressed pride in the team’s fight and resilience following the tough previous game:

“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.”

Looking Forward

The Hawks’ effort in Adelaide suggests an upward trajectory in their form, highlighting their potential once fully healthy.

Author’s Summary

The Illawarra Hawks showed immense resilience in a close loss, with standout play from Hickey and a promising outlook under coach Tatum despite recent setbacks.

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Illawarra Mercury Illawarra Mercury — 2025-11-02

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