Hawks smash United on the boards, seize top spot

• Hawks dominate the boards 59-35 including 25 offensive rebounds leading to 33 second-chance points
• Tyler Harvey added 31 points to help Illawarra take top spot in the NBL
• Melbourne suffered back-to-back losses for the first time since NBL23

Justin Tatum emphasised the Illawarra Hawks’ dominance on the boards and ability to exploit Melbourne United’s weaknesses as keys to their 106-93 win (Game Centre) at John Cain Arena on Friday, December 2024, in Round 12.

The victory lifted the Hawks to the top of the NBL25 standings at 10-5.

"We wanted to stay aggressive on the boards and go inside," Tatum said post-game.

"Once they had some guys out, we wanted to exploit them inside and get their guys in foul trouble if possible and have other guys do things they're not used to doing."

Illawarra’s rebounding dominance was striking, with a 59-35 advantage overall and 25 offensive rebounds leading to 33 second-chance points. That effort allowed the Hawks to outwork United, still without professional shooter Chris Goulding, and pull away in the second half, building a lead as large as 21 points.

Sam Froling led the charge inside for Illawarra, scoring 20 points and grabbing 11 rebounds, including 12 points in the third quarter. His performance helped the Hawks take control in the second half as Melbourne struggled to contain him in the paint.

Tatum’s co-captain Tyler Harvey also shone, finishing with 31 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. Trey Kell III added 12 points and six rebounds, while Darius Days contributed 10 points and eight boards. Davo Hickey chipped in nine points, five rebounds, and three assists.

The game began with Melbourne centre Rob Loe hitting two early three-pointers and scoring 11 first-quarter points to help United to a 24-24 tie. However, Illawarra’s relentless effort on the glass gave them a 27-24 lead at the first break, despite Melbourne’s efficient shooting.

By halftime, Melbourne led 47-46, thanks in part to Loe’s 16 points on 6-from-7 shooting, but Illawarra’s 29-12 rebounding advantage, including 12 offensive boards, kept the Hawks within striking distance. In the third quarter, Illawarra took over, with Froling dominating inside during an 11-0 run that pushed the lead to 14.

Even when Melbourne briefly cut the deficit to eight in the fourth quarter, Illawarra had all the answers, maintaining their composure to close out the 13-point win.

Melbourne coach Dean Vickerman was critical of his team’s inability to match Illawarra’s physicality and rebounding: "As the game wore on, they were just smashing the o-boards and just driving us under.

"I thought some of our leaders stopped tonight in different moments. Just toughen up."

Melbourne, now 12-6, will face the South East Melbourne Phoenix in a Throwdown at John Cain Arena on Sunday, while Illawarra next hosts the Perth Wildcats next Sunday.