Game Preview: Hawks vs 36ers

18/JAN/2008 – The Hawks registered two losses during round 17, and even coach Eric Cooks must concede that his side's playoff hopes are gone.

However, they did put up a good fight against the Kings, and have been more than competitive at the WIN Entertainment Centre this season.

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Wollongong Hawks vs Adelaide 36ers

Where and When:
Friday 18 January,
WIN Entertainment Centre, 7.30pm (local)

Past Five Games
Hawks: LWWLL
36ers: WWLWL

Past Three Head-to-Head
Adelaide 36ers 108-101 Wollongong Hawks, Round 1 2007.
Wollongong Hawks 108-101 Adelaide 36ers, Round 20 2006.
Adelaide 36ers 103-113 Wollongong Hawks, Round 3 2006.

Season Series
36ers 1-0

Current Standings
Hawks 6-16 (11th), 36ers 10-11 (ninth)

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Cooks' side has won five games from ten matches at home, and was on a three-game winning streak at the venue until the Kings match.

Much of the Hawks' success at home this season has been due to some excellent three-point shooting and a well organised bustling defence.

Mat Campbell and Cameron Rigby have been on fire of late from the land of plenty, while Kavossy Franklin, Cameron Tragardh and Larry Davidson continue to post good numbers.

Veteran point-guard Brad Davidson will get the big job on Franklin in this clash, and just how well he performs will go a long way in deciding the winner of this game.

Adelaide coach Phil Smyth will miss veteran guard Brett Maher who has a calf injury that will see him out for a few games. He is a vital cog in the 36ers line-up and the team can't afford to have him sitting on the sidelines for too long.

The key for the 36ers is big man Adam Ballinger, but the Hawks have plenty of options to use on the in-form American, but it is a different case for swingman Julius Hodge.

Hodge narrowly missed a triple-double last round against the Kings, and he may have a bit too much toe for Campbell, meaning Ben Castle will be the man most likely used to stop him.

With Adelaide backing up against the Bullets in Brisbane tomorrow night, a win against a softer target tonight is crucial.