Full Breakdown
Illawarra Hawks Stun Melbourne United 91-89 to End Three-Game Losing Streak
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On Sunday at John Cain Arena, the Illawarra Hawks rallied from a 13-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat Melbourne United 91-89. The Hawks entered the game with a 1-6 record and a three-game losing streak, while United came in on a winning run. With 4.5 seconds remaining, Milton Doyle made two free throws to bring United within two points, but Luke Travers missed a buzzer-beating three-pointer, sealing the upset.
Background & Context
The Hawks had trailed 27-21 after the first quarter and faced a 16-point halftime deficit before turning the tide. A surge in the second period produced an 11-0 run, followed by a 16-1 spurt that gave Illawarra a 52-36 lead. The victory moved the Hawks from fifth to eighth place on the NBL ladder and snapped their three-game skid.
Data & Statistics
- Cole Anthony (Melbourne United): 24 points (20 scored in the second half), six rebounds, five assists.
- Makur Maker (Illawarra): 23 points, six rebounds in 19 minutes; recorded two dominant dunks late in the third quarter and a clutch three-pointer in the fourth.
- Milton Doyle (Illawarra): 16 points, seven assists; hit a three-pointer early in the game and split two free throws in the final seconds.
- Turnovers: United committed nine turnovers in the fourth quarter while scoring only six field goals.
- Scoring Runs: Illawarra posted 35-16 in the second period, establishing a 56-43 halftime lead.
Official Statements & Responses
He added that the victory was important for the team. United’s post-game comments highlighted Anthony’s late-half surge, noting his 20-point second-half output, but acknowledged that the team “couldn’t finish” despite the rally.
Why It Matters
The win provides the Hawks with momentum after a difficult start to the season and demonstrates their capacity to generate large scoring bursts against a higher-ranked opponent. For United, the loss underscores the importance of ball security in the closing minutes, as turnovers directly contributed to the narrow defeat. Both teams will look to adjust ahead of their next fixtures, with the Hawks aiming to climb further up the ladder and United seeking to rebound from the setback.