The Best of the Day preview takes it to the hole with NBL tips for a potential semi-final preview between Illawarra Hawks and Perth Wildcats.
NBL Tips – Illawarra Hawks V Perth Wildcats
19:30 (AEST), Tue 1st Jun @ WIN Sports & Entertainment Centre, Wollongong
History: Played 56: Wildcats 44 V Hawks 12
Last meeting: April 16, 2021: Wildcats 83 d Hawks 69 at RAC Arena
Final thoughts: The Best of the Day preview breaks down the Tuesday night NBL action as the regular season winds down. But there’s still a fair bit at stake, with Perth Wildcats still an outside chance of snatching top spot and Illawarra Hawks not quite over the line into the semi-finals.
The 25-9 Wildcats are well clear in second spot with two games to go. But they are just one win behind Melbourne United, who they face later this week.
May 𝑚𝑎𝑑𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠! 🤩
Some huge Out of The Box plays in the last month, did we get the order right, Red Army? pic.twitter.com/QvACS2Yej8
— Perth Wildcats (@PerthWildcats) May 30, 2021
The defending champs are in fine form, winning five of their last six by margins of eight or more. Despite the Bryce Cotton injury blow, the Wildcats have comfortably accounted for the 36ers (76-68) and Kings (81-67) in the past week.
Todd Blanchfield (23 pts), John Mooney (19 pts, 10 reb) and Luke Travers (16 pts, 8 reb) all stepped up in Thursday’s victory over the desperate Kings.
Luke Travers appreciation post. 🙌
LT lit up The Jungle on Thursday night, finishing with 16 points, 8 rebounds and 2 steals. pic.twitter.com/7IKkeKVwi3
— Perth Wildcats (@PerthWildcats) May 29, 2021
The 19-15 Hawks have surged into third spot with a blistering run through May. The Wollongong outfit have won seven of their last eight, with only a loss to United against their name.
It’s been a heavy schedule for the Hawks in recent days. But they emerged from a trip to New Zealand with an 84-73 defeat of the Breakers on Friday and returned home to account for the Sixers 97-83 on Sunday.
ICYMI – all the highlights from last night's big 97-83 win over the Adelaide 36ers.#IllawarraProud #FlyAsOne pic.twitter.com/6KVDaEFyHo
— Illawarra Hawks Basketball (@illawarrahawks) May 31, 2021
Tyler Harvey produced 53 points, 14 rebounds and 8 assists across the two wins.
The Wildcats boast an eye-watering 44-12 all-time record against the Hawks. They have won 16 of the last 18 between the clubs, including the last seven straight.
Perth’s three victories over Illawarra this season were all decided by double-digit margins. John Mooney (17 pts, 15 reb, 3 ast) starred in the Wildcats’ 83-69 win at home in mid-April.
The Hawks are 7-6 in Wollongong this season, winning four of their last five at home. The Wildcats are 8-5 on the road (NBL Cup excluded) and have won three of their last four away from Perth.
Illawarra will start as narrow Best of the Day favourites. But Perth’s staggering record in this rivalry – along with their impressive form and pursuit of top spot – is difficult to ignore.
