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. Following their equal-lowest score in franchise history, the Hawks delivered perhaps their best performance of NBL26 despite the defeat.

Hickey's near triple-double and missed opportunity

With 1.6 seconds remaining, Will "Davo" Hickey had two free throws to tie the game but missed both. Hickey led the 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.

Team resilience and coach's reaction

The Hawks had not won in Adelaide in four years. Coming off a heavy 102-60 loss to the New Zealand Breakers just 48 hours earlier, Illawarra’s effort impressed head coach Justin Tatum.

“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.”

Tatum was pleased with how the team bounced back after their Halloween night defeat, highlighting their toughness and determination in Adelaide.

Author's summary: The Illawarra Hawks demonstrated strong resilience and a competitive spirit in a close loss to Adelaide, with Hickey nearly achieving a historic triple-double.

Illawarra Mercury — 2025-11-02