Match wrap: 36ers do enough against shorthanded Hawks

The Illawarra Hawks never gave up the fight up against the league-leading Adelaide 36ers to give themselves a chance without JaVale McGee and Tyler Harvey, but the Sixers did just enough to prevail 84-78.

When news broke that the Hawks would be without both McGee (eye) and Harvey (back) at WIN Entertainment Centre on Saturday, it appeared one of the great NBL26 mismatches against the top-of-the-table 36ers.

However, the Hawks showed tremendous heart the entire way to give themselves a sniff of what would have been an almighty upset but it wasn’t quite to be with Adelaide finishing strongly for the six-point win to maintain top spot at 15-4.

The Sixers' class told in the dying stages as Isaac Humphries tipped in a Bryce Cotton runner and DJ Vasiljevic sealed the deal from the foul line.

Adelaide went big for significant periods throughout the game trying to take advantage of Illawarra missing McGee with Humphries finishing with 16 points, six rebounds and four assists with Nick Rakocevic returning from suspension with 11 points, 11 boards and two blocks.

Bryce Cotton's life was made tough by Wani Swaka Lo Buluk and his 16 points came on 6/18 shooting even though he did still have seven assists.

Isaac White also had 11 points and two assists in the win for the 36ers with Flynn Cameron adding eight points, seven rebounds and four assists.

It was a strong showing from the Hawks who pulled down 17 offensive rebounds and had just seven turnovers to give themselves a chance with Swaka Lo Buluk scoring a career-high 19 points with six rebounds to go with his defence on Cotton.

QJ Peterson top scored for Illawarra with 21 points, three rebounds and two assists while Dan Grida contributed 11 points and two boards, and Mason Peatling eight points, eight boards and two assists.

The Hawks' defeat left them reeling at 6-12, with a lot of work to do to keep their championship defence alive.

Humphries provided Adelaide's first 10 points on perfect 5-of-5 shooting and scores were locked at 21-21 at quarter-time.

The Sixers threatened to break it open before the main break, surging 11 points clear, but Illawarra's effort and transition game kept them in it.

A 9-0 run to the home side cut the deficit to 41-39 at half-time.

Tempers flared when Peatling and Rakocevic tangled off the ball, and again when White fell heavily after being fouled by Swaka Lo Buluk.

The contest remained tight until the dying stages, when Humphries and Vasiljevic iced the result.

Illawarra received a standing ovation from home fans for their efforts after pushing the ladder leaders all the way.

The Sixers are now back home to host the Cairns Taipans on Christmas Eve while a day later to celebrate Christmas, the Hawks take on the Sydney Kings at Qudos Bank Arena.

HUNGRY JACK'S NBL SEASON 2025/26

ILLAWARRA HAWKS 78 (Peterson 21, Swaka Lo Buluk 19, Grida 11)

ADELAIDE 36ERS 84 (Cotton 16, Humphries 16, Cheatham 11, White 11, Rakocevic 11)

BOX SCORE