Hawks' 'through roof effort' too much for Tasmania

• Illawarra goes a game clear at the top of the NBL ladder
• Sam Froling dominated with 18 points and seven rebounds
• JackJumpers coach Scott Roth votes for Justin Tatum as coach of the year

In a dominant display of championship-calibre basketball, the league-leading Illawarra Hawks soared to a commanding 102-78 victory against the Tasmania JackJumpers, silencing the MyState Bank Arena crowd and solidifying their grip on the top spot in the NBL.

Sam Froling's masterful first-half performance set the tone for a Hawks team that was determined to bounce back from their setback in Cairns.

The Hawks wasted no time in asserting their dominance, racing out to a 21-13 lead by the end of the first quarter. Despite a brief flurry from Tasmania's Gorjok Gak, who opened the scoring with four quick points, Illawarra's relentless offensive onslaught proved too much for the struggling JackJumpers.

A pivotal 14-3 run, sparked by three-pointers from Mason Peatling and Wani Swaka Lo Buluk, gave the visitors a lead they would never relinquish.

As the second quarter unfolded, it became clear that this was Froling's night. The co-captain put on a clinic, pouring in 16 points by halftime, with 12 coming in a dominant second-period display. Milton Doyle's valiant efforts to keep Tasmania within striking distance were ultimately in vain, as the Hawks extended their lead to a commanding 52-34 by the break.

The JackJumpers showed signs of life early in the third quarter, with Clint Steindl knocking down eight quick points to cut the deficit to 12.

However, the Hawks' response was swift and decisive, pushing their advantage to as much as 21 points before settling for an 18-point cushion heading into the final frame.

From there, it was a mere formality as Illawarra cruised to a 24-point victory, even affording playing time to seldom-used Kuany Kuany, who notched his second-ever NBL score.

The statistics tell the tale of Illawarra's dominance. The Hawks shot a blistering 52% from the field compared to Tasmania's paltry 38%, while also capitalising on 13 JackJumpers turnovers to the tune of 20 points.

The visitors' superiority was further underscored by their 18 free throws to Tasmania's eight, as well as eight second-chance points generated from six offensive rebounds.

While Froling's 18-point, seven-rebound performance rightfully stole the headlines, the Hawks' balanced attack was on full display. Tyler Harvey contributed 15 points and five assists, while Mason Peatling, Davo Hickey, and 431-game veteran Todd Blanchfield each chipped in 12 points.

Hickey's all-around effort was particularly noteworthy, as he added four rebounds, three assists, and two blocks to his scoring output.

"I'm pretty happy with it. Our effort level was high, through the roof. Our attention to detail was great," Hawks coach Justin Tatum said post-game.

"I still have some things to complain about, but our team got better this week. We were determined to play better today."

For the JackJumpers, now sitting at 12-15 and in desperate need of help to break into the top six, the loss was a bitter pill to swallow.

Doyle's 17 points led the team, but 13 of those came in a second-quarter burst that ultimately proved futile.

Jordon Crawford's 16-point, seven-assist effort and Clint Steindl's 13 points were bright spots in an otherwise forgettable outing for Tasmania.

Despite the lopsided result, JackJumpers coach Scott Roth remained gracious.

"They're really good. I hope they get into the grand final and I hope JT gets Coach of the Year," Roth said.

"We're obviously not playing very well just in general, but it is what it is at this point. We've just got to keep battling and keep our heads up. You have the highs and lows in sport, and this is a low. But it's also a great character builder for our organisation."

As the NBL season enters its crucial final stages, both teams face pivotal matchups in the coming days. The JackJumpers will look to rebound quickly as they travel to Melbourne to face United on Saturday night, a venue and opponent against which they've historically performed well.

Meanwhile, the Hawks will aim to maintain their momentum as they journey to face the New Zealand Breakers on Wednesday before concluding their regular season at home against the Sydney Kings.

With playoff implications hanging in the balance, every game takes on added significance in the race for NBL title chase.