SAM Froling says the Hawks simply "must win" when they take on the 36ers in Wollongong on Tuesday night.
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It will kick off a run of home games for Illawarra, who will play seven of their remaining eight games at the WEC before the playoffs.
Currently sitting just outside the NBL's top four, the Adelaide clash shapes as crucial for Brian Goorjian's men.
"It's a big game for us, we've got to come out and win it. It's going to be very tight, but we want to win to stay in touch with the top four," Froling said.
"We have an opportunity on Tuesday night to tie us with South East Melbourne and Sydney for third and fourth spot."
It has been a week since the Hawks last took to the court, when they claimed a 75-67 victory over the Breakers in Launceston.
After getting some down time at home. Froling said the Hawks couldn't wait to play at the WEC again.
"The last couple of games, our fans have been awesome. It's like a sixth player out there," the big man said.
" It's been the loudest I've ever heard it since I've been here. So hopefully on Tuesday night, it's just as good.
"And we feel pretty good. It's about putting together a 40-minute game, and multiple 40-minute games coming in this back end of the season to bump us back into the four and stay there."
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