36ers, Hawks looking for clean sweep

Adelaide 36ers will look for a clean sweep at the NBL Blitz in Darwin tonight against NBL22 semi-finalists Illawarra Hawks.

Both sides could win the Loggins-Bruton Cup after two victories so far in the Top End, the Hawks holding out New Zealand Breakers 85-81 on Tuesday night and an impressive 81-69 success against Melbourne United on Sunday night.

Adelaide have showed patches of brilliance during their opening 84-76 win against South East Melbourne Phoenix last Friday and Monday night’s 87-79 success against Tasmania JackJumpers.

Illawarra have unleashed new import Justin Robinson to great effect, the former NBA point guard dishing eight assists in both of his two contests to date.

After Perth Wildcats’ 90-63 loss to Melbourne United on Wednesday night, a victory plus winning every quarter will win the Loggins-Bruton Cup for the 36ers, while the same result for the Hawks will put them right in the mix to also take the NBL Blitz crown.

THE KEY
As has been the case since he entered the league, Illawarra shooting guard Tyler Harvey will cause headaches yet again.

The 185cm long range assassin had 13 points in the win over United before erupting for a game-high 27 points in the four-point success against the Breakers.

Harvey, who could potentially be an MVP candidate this season, is a key piece to the Hawks’ success and expect Mitch McCarron and/or Sunday Dech to pay close attention to Illawarra’s sharpshooter.

The backcourt combination Harvey has with Robinson already looks dangerous, even after just a few games on court together, the Hawks have some serious firepower at the guard spot.

THE SECRET
After losing NBL22 Defensive Player of the Year Antonius Cleveland to the good guys, the Hawks retooled by bringing in former NBA point guard Justin Robinson.

Robinson had 13 points and dished eight rebounds against the Breakers to go with his 14 points and eight assists against United.

The 24-year-old has spent the last three years in the NBA, lining up for the Milwaukee Bucks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Detroit Pistons, Sacramento Kings, and most recently the Washington Wizards.

“I feel the NBL is a great league and is now becoming more global. The league itself will allow me to continue to showcase who I am on and off the court,” Robinson said.

“Illawarra has been right on the doorstep of winning an NBL Championship the last couple of years and my goal is to add to the winning culture. Coach (Jacob) Jackomas has something special brewing and I’m excited to be a part of it.”

THE FINAL WORD
With both sides look for a clean sweep in Darwin, expect fireworks early, especially from Robinson, Harvey and Hawks co-captain Sam Froling.

Froling is a huge piece to the Hawks' puzzle this season and with Illawarra’s third import George King still yet to suit up, expect Froling to do the heavy lifting inside on Thursday night.

llawarra have a brand new frontcourt, besides Froling, with former Charlotte Hornet Mangok Mathiang to play a big part in the Hawks’ fortunes, along with Deng Deng.

The Hawks have depth off the bench, but expect their stars to mostly feature on court, especially if the game is on the line.

THE MATCH
Adelaide 36ers vs Illawarra Hawks
Marrara Indoor Stadium
Thursday, September 22, 7.30pm

DEPTH CHART
PG: Robinson* | Mudronja | Dent
SG: Harvey* | White | Hickey
SF: Swaka Lo Buluk | King* | Grida | Morris
PF: Froling | Deng
C: Mathiang | Gak