THE ILLAWARRA Hawks have once again shown why they are the best side in the National Basketball League (NBL) this season, producing yet another big win, this time over the Brisbane Bullets to the tune of 31 points at WIN Entertainment Centre on Monday night.

The Hawks came into the clash atop the standings in the NBL, and with finals approaching, were looking to lock in the top spot in the coming weeks. Apart from a slight hiccup against the Cairns Taipans, Illawarra has been rock solid for the majority of the fixture.

On the other hand, the Bullets came into the clash looking to keep their finals hopes alive with an upset victory. However, they were going to have to do it without the likes of Casey Prather, Tyrell Harrison, Rocco Zikarsky and Deng Adel, in what was going to be a tough assignment on the road against quality opposition.

Although the Bullets were optimistic of causing an away upset, it was not to be with the Hawks producing one of their most dominant performances of the season.

Illawarra Hawks (121) def. Brisbane Bullets (87)

The Hawks started the game like a house on fire, posting a whopping 35 points in the first quarter alone on the back of some irresistible offence. Illawarra was firing on all cylinders and led by 15 at the first change, completely in control of the offence.

The second quarter saw a bit of resistance from the visitors as the Bullets managed a 15-2 run to get back into the contest. However, the Hawks were simply too strong for Brisbane, and the margin remained unaffected at half time.

It was another dominant period from the Hawks in the third term, sharing the ball and getting all players involved in a tremendous display of depth. The Bullets simply did not have enough firepower to match Illawarra, and trailed by 31 heading into the fourth.

Although the Bullets found new ways of scoring in the final term, it was too little, too late as the Hawks cruised home to one of their biggest wins of the season.

The Hawks shot a remarkable 62 per cent from the field, including 75 per cent from inside the arc in an excellent display of efficiency from the home side. They were sharing the ball to ensure they got the best possible look and it was too much for Brisbane’s defence to contain.

Leading the way in a balanced team effort was Sam Froling, who posted a team-high 17 points along with seven rebounds, while Wani Swaka Lo Buluk (16 points) and Mason Peatling (15 points) also played their role. For the Bullets, Keandre Cook fought bravely to try and get his side back in the contest, and posted a game-high 19 points and eight boards.