LOOKING to build from their win against the Sydney Kings on Christmas Day, the Illawarra Hawks continued their charge towards the play-in tournament, by defeating Adelaide 36ers in a seven-point sold out NBL thriller at WIN Entertainement Centre.

The win came following standout performances from Justin Robinson and Gary Clark. The Hawks had solid contributions off the bench as well with Todd Blanchfield helping the side to a 91-84 victory. 

With the Hawks controlling the opening term, the Sixers fought back in the second quarter, 29 points to 21, and scores were level by the main break. 

The Hawks dominated the third term where Illawarra poured on 31 points to 12, mounting a 18-point advantage heading into the final term. Whilst Adelaide put some respect back on the scoreboard in the final 10 minutes, the Hawks did enough to secure the win.

Despite the 36ers having strong contributions from Isaac Humphries, Dejan Vasiljevic and Trey Kell III, it was their three-point range shooting that let them down.

The Hawks finished the game shooting seven from 23 at 30 per cent, compared to the Sixers, six from 29 at 21 per cent. The Hawks controlled the defensive rebounds, 30-27. The Hawks dominated the bench points, 26-23.

Robinson shot eight from 10 from two point range, Clark shot five from seven from two point range, contributing 12 rebounds, whilst Blanchfield made his mark with 10 points in 17 minutes. 

For the 36ers, Humphries shot 12 of 22 from the field on his way to 26 points, nine rebounds and one block, while Kell III (16 points, 10 rebounds, 12 assists and three steals) was also busy. Vasiljevic was other player who had an impact, finishing the game with 17 points, four rebounds, one assist and one steal. 

The Hawks play in a crucial match in Round 14 on January 7 against the South East Melbourne Phoenix, with both teams continuing to battle for a spot in the play-in tournament.