It’s been three months since the Illawarra Hawks were last in Tasmania, on that occasion in Round 3 they were handed a 30 point loss and team was anchored to the bottom of the ladder. While Tasmania were in the midst of some great early season form and were holding firm on a spot in the top 2.
Embed from Getty ImagesBut fast forward to January and the two teams meet again tonight at MyState Bank Arena in Hobart under very different circumstances.
The Hawks (8-9) are now flying under new coach Justin Tatum, who has brought his team on the brink of the top 6 having won 5 of its last 7 games. While the JackJumpers (11-10) are looking to turn around amid-season slide, having lost 5 of its 7 games.
A 80-77 road loss to Brisbane on Wednesday night perfectly summed up Tasmania’s recent woes, as they failed to capitalise on opportunities in the closing moments to grind out a win. Despite having fouls to give, the JackJumpers allowed Bullets guard Chris Smith to run out the clock on the final possession of the game and hit a contested game winning three pointer with 2 seconds to play.
We’ve been a master this year of inconsistency and finishing games we probably have 6 or 7 of them that a re just right in this kill area right in this kill area where either getting them across the line or you get beat yourself and most of the time somehow or another we’re beating ourselves
JackJumpers Head Coach Scott Roth
We’ve been a master this year of inconsistency and finishing games we probably have 6 or 7 of them that a re just right in this kill area right
However, it’s a quick turn around for Tasmania, who are looking to put the Brisbane game behind them and hold firm in the top 4.
But the hawks will be a handful for Tasmania, they are on a three game winning streak and last win being a 38 point demolition of the South East Melbourne Phoenix.
Key match ups
Both sides feature great depth with their bigs, and will play a key role in who wins this game.
The hawks bigs have played a big part in their return to form in NBL24, and its no surprise that the team ranks first in the league for points in the paint (45 per game). This is led by starts Sam Froling and Gary Clarke, with Mason Peating and Lachie Olbick off the bench providing ample support off the bench. Despite going down in their last encounter to Tasmania, Sam Froling was a shining light in a losing effort, with 22 points and 11 rebounds including one of the dunks of the season.
But Tasmania are one of the few teams in the league able to match it with the hawks, largely in part to a healthy Will Magnay back in the line-up. He was a force inside last time the two sides met, with 13 points and 7 rebounds in just 13 minutes of action. He supports Marcus Lee, who has started to lift his game in recent weeks to his solid form from last season. They are helped off the Bench by Fab Krslovic and new recruit Tom Vodanovich. The big kiwi bruiser has had limited time with Tasmania, but will more than ready to throw his weight around with the Hawks bigs inside the paint.
Embed from Getty ImagesHistory
Tasmania will be looking for a 3 game series sweep of the Hawks, having comfortably defeated them just three weeks ago in Wollongong 100-89 having led by as many as 25 in the opening half.
The Jackies also hold a 4-1 record in Tasmania, with their only loss coming at Launceston’s Silverdome in NBL 22.
Players availability
Tasmania
Majok Deng – ankle (Round 17)
Illawarra
Dan Grida – knee (TBC)
Wani Swaka Lo Buluk – illness (TBC)