SYDNEY — In a thrilling finale, the Illawarra Hawks clinched a 114-104 victory over Melbourne United in the fifth game of Australia’s National Basketball League championship series on Sunday.
This triumph marks the Hawks’ first championship win since 2001 and only their second in the 47-year history of the team. This achievement highlights a remarkable transformation, considering the team had finished at the bottom of the league standings two seasons prior.
Key players Will Hickey and Trey Kell propelled the Hawks to victory on their home court in Wollongong, a city located approximately 100 kilometers (60 miles) south of Sydney. Hickey contributed with 21 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists, while Kell delivered an impressive 26 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and provided seven assists.
Following an evenly matched first quarter, the Hawks surged ahead to establish a 10-point lead by halftime, which they maintained until the end of the game. Kell’s crucial lay-up with just over a minute remaining extended their lead to 13 points, effectively ending Melbourne’s hopes and igniting celebrations among the home supporters.
For the Melbourne team, the loss was a repeated disappointment, having experienced a similar fate in the previous season’s final against the Tasmania JackJumpers. Despite the defeat, Chris Goulding emerged as a top scorer for United with 21 points and three assists, while Shea Ili added 20 points to the tally.
