FOR the second time in two games, the National Basketball League (NBL) semi-final series between the Illawarra Hawks and Melbourne United went to overtime, but this time it was the former that emerged five-point winners.

In another classic encounter, WIN Entertainment Centre erupted on multiple occasions as the home side forced an extra period on the fourth quarter buzzer, before running away with the game in OT in one of the most entertaining games of the 2023/24 season.

The result means there will be a deciding match for a spot in the semi-finals on Wednesday night at John Cain Arena, as Melbourne’s dominance continues to face off against Illawarra’s fairytale run.

Illawarra Hawks (113) def. Melbourne United (108)

The minor champions controlled the tempo to open the match, scoring the first six points of the game before jumping out to a 15-6 lead in the first quarter. Melbourne was looking ominous in the paint early, pulling down 10 more boards than the Hawks in the quarter with the team’s bigs proving a big factor in the game, helping their side to a six-point lead at the first change.

The Hawks rallied in the second term, conjuring baskets from the biggest names on the team, with the likes of Gary Clark and Tyler Harvey heavily involved. Melbourne’s lead began to vanish as the home crowd became an imposing factor on the match. Impressively, Illawarra had turned its quarter time deficit into a one-point lead at the main change, not allowing United to break away and keeping its season alive.

The third quarter was played at a rapid pace, with the lead changing hands on multiple occasions as the momentum swung on several occasions. Melbourne was able to match the frenetic energy the Hawks have embraced in the second half of the season, and after Shea Ili knocked down a triple late in proceedings, United held a two-point lead heading into the last.

Illawarra’s hopes of keeping its remarkable season alive continued into the dying minutes of regulation, remaining within a basket. However, these chances dwindled when the normally reliable Chris Goulding was sent to the free throw line to potentially put his side up by three, but his second attempt was wayward, opening the door for the Hawks.

Clark drove to the hoop but missed the game-tying lay-up after some desperate defence from Melbourne. Despite the ball rattling out, surprise playoff performer William Hickey chased down the offensive board and tied up the game on the buzzer with a lay-up of his own.

Missed free throws continued to be a thorn in Melbourne’s side, as Sam Froling started to get involved on nearly every possession, and his presence in the pick and roll was truly impactful. In the end, Illawarra forced a decider with sheer belief, setting up a tantalising game three on Wednesday.

Clark set the record for most points from an Illawarra player in the 40-minute NBL era, posting a massive double-double of 31 points and 16 rebounds, showing why he was considered one of the best five players in the 2023/24 season. Froling also produced a stat-stuffing performance with 19 points and 13 rebounds, while Harvey (23 points) and Hickey (a career-high 18 points) were lively with ball in hand.

Game three will take place at John Cain Arena at 7:30pm on Wednesday night.