The Illawarra Hawks suffered a devastating defeat at the hands of the Adelaide 36ers in a thrilling NBL encounter. The 36ers emerged victorious with a score of 90-88, leaving the Hawks heartbroken. This loss marked a significant turning point in the series, as the Hawks had previously dominated the 36ers in Adelaide. The star guard, Bryce Cotton, played a pivotal role for the 36ers, showcasing his skills with 24 points, nine assists, and two steals. His performance left the Hawks reeling, as he single-handedly kept the 36ers in the lead. The Hawks, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm, with a poor performance from their star guard, Davo Hickey, who managed only 20 points, nine rebounds, eight assists, and four blocked shots. The 36ers' sharp-shooter, DJ Vasiljevic, contributed 16 points, sealing the deal with a crucial three-pointer. The game was a tense affair, with both teams trading leads in the first two quarters. However, the 36ers pulled away in the third quarter, fueled by Cotton's prowess and Flynn Cameron's contributions from the perimeter. The Hawks' big man, Jonah Bolden, suffered a pelvic injury early in the second quarter, further weakening their already struggling lineup. The 36ers' victory marked a significant shift in momentum, as they now hold a strong lead in the series. The Hawks will need to regroup and find a way to bounce back in the upcoming games, while the 36ers will look to capitalize on their newfound momentum.
