After three straight losses, as well as a cancelled fixture against Newcastle due to COVID-19 concerns, Scott Balsar's team came out firing at the Snakepit - knowing it was a must-win game to keep their finals chances alive.

The Hawks raced out to a 22-9 lead, thanks to eight quick points by Harry Morris.

But the Mustangs ended the period on a 13-3 run, to reduce the hosts lead to just four points, heading into quarter-time.

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The second term followed suit - with the Hawks stretching their advantage to seven before the visitors closed it to just two midway through the 10-minute period.

But Balsar's side, featuring Shoalhaven's Gavin Costain and Ziad El Tobgy, never relinquished the lead and went into half-time up 45-44.

The Mustangs continued to charge in the third and took the lead for the first time 50-47 - only for a Costain three-pointer to level the scores once again.

This sparked a run for the Hawks, who went into the final period leading 63-59.

In a see-sawing final quarter, the visitors finally drew level (71-all) with 3.30 on the clock.

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But clutch free-throws by Costain and a well-timed basket by Riley O'Brien got the Hawks back on track.

Costain then hit more crucial shots from the line, to help the Hawks break the 76-all ledger - before field goals by Harry Morris and Zac Ottosson and free-throws by Will Farrar sealed the 85-81 win.

Morris (21 points), Farrar (18) and Costain (14) led the way for the Hawks, while Kaia Isaac and Jesse Parker both scored 16 for the Mustangs.

The win moves the 3-3 Hawks up to seventh spot on the ladder - just two wins out of the top four.

Next up are the Hills Hornets at 12pm Sunday at the Snakepit.