Hawks and Crocs come out on top in Friday Night Fights

Hawks/Wildcats

The Wollongong Hawks survived poor late game foul shooting to pull off a narrow 94-92 win over the Perth Wildcats Friday night on their home court.

A brilliant debut outing by Hawks import Tywain McKee nearly went for naught when the Hawks missed their last five free throw attempts. With the 'Gong up 94-89 and 28 seconds on the clock, Perth's Martin Cattalini knocked down a three pointer after an inbounds pass theft to make the score 94-92. Scott Redhage could not connect on a miracle heave from half court as time expired leaving the Hawks with a shaky win.

McKee sliced and diced his way to 22 points, 7 assists and only 1 turnover. Big man Cameron Tragardh had a solid 20 point/10 rebound game while Glen Saville (17 points), Matt Campbell (16 points) and Rhys Martin (11 points) rounded out a balanced Hawks attack. The team was 12 out of 22 from three point land.

A key to the game was the Hawks limiting Perth's 14 foot of centre -- Paul Rogers and Luke Schenscher to a paltry combined total of 14 points and 7 rebounds.

The Wildcats were led by Redhage (20 points/8 rebounds), Kevin Lisch (12 points), Schenscher (11 points), Martin Cattalini (10 points) and Jesse Wagstaff (10 points) were tops for the 'Cats.

The highlight of the match was a rare as hen's teeth four point play near halftime by Hawk Campbell.

Crocs/Blaze

A three point attempt by James Harvey rimmed out as time expired leaving the Gold coast on the short end of a 82-79 score in the tight match on the Gold Coast.

In his NBL return Roland Roberts had 11 points and an intimidating 13 rebounds along with 2 steals to go with his shut down the inside defensive effort for the Crocs. Corey "Homicide" Williams had an influential performance scoring 15 points, dishing out 8 assists and grabbing 6 rebounds from the point guard slot.

The game was nip and tuck until a late Crocs run of a three pointer by Peter Crawford, a smooth jumper by Kelvin Robertson and a steal/basket combo by Roberts gave the visitors an edge before Harvey's final attempt.

Other contributors for Townsville were Mark Cedar (15 points), Stephen Hoare (13 points/5rebounds) and Brad Willamson (13 points).

The Blaze were led by Harvey (24 points), new import Ayinde Ubaka (19 points/8 assists) and Anthony Petrie (12 points).

This weeks NBL action wraps up tonight with Adelaide visiting Cairns.