DrinkWise Preview: NBL26 - Round 10, Game 1 v Illawarra Hawks

We will look to extend our winning streak to three games on Friday evening when we head on the road to face the Illawarra Hawks.

Having dropped one of our only two losses to this point of the season inside the WIN Entertainment Centre against the Hawks, the game will be an opportunity for redemption as we look for our 12th win.

For Illawarra, a 12-point loss on Wednesday saw their record drop to 4-8, and has them in need of victories in order to climb back up the competition ladder.

WHAT’S THE WORD?

While it was our largest defeat of the season so far, Head Coach Dean Vickerman said he was pleased with a number of aspects from our first matchup against the Hawks.

He broke down what needs to be done to come away from Friday with a positive result.

“The pace and ball movement, we thought we were pretty good last time and created really good open shots so hopefully we can have a process that creates those types of shots again,” Vickerman said.

“I think we really have to defend at a much higher level early in the game. Take away some keys (for Illawarra) and reduce the ability of the crowd to get into the game.”

On the other side, Hawks star Tyler Harvey stressed the importance of responding with a four-quarter performance on Friday after their loss to the Adelaide 36ers.

“We’re just going to have to follow the scout for four quarters,” Harvey explained.

“Every single game for us is tough, we’ve had a tough go this whole year and wins are so valuable. We’re going to do everything we can to play consistently for four quarters. 

“If things don’t go right, we can’t sulk, we’ve just got to get right back to it. I think if we do that we give ourselves a chance against anybody.”

WHO’S HOT, WHO'S NOT

Across the past few games, we have found the most success when attacking the hoop.

Averaging close to 50 points in the paint per game, which in turn helps us to get to the free-throw line, this could once again be the focus when heading to Wollongong.

Standing in the way for the Hawks is Javale McGee, who has established himself as one of the league’s premier rim-protectors.

While the former NBA player has been thriving on the defensive end, his offensive output has waned in his last two outings, averaging just 10.5 points per game on 30.8% shooting.

GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs Illawarra Hawks

Tip-off: 7:30pm AEDT, Friday 21 November, 2025

Where: WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong

Watch: ESPN

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