They were given an almighty fright, but the Hawks began their NBL Blitz campaign in style with an overtime win over the Phoenix on Monday night.
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In a see-sawing battle, Brian Goorjian's men claimed a 116-112 victory at Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre.
Recruits Antonius Cleveland, Duop Reath and Xavier Rathan-Mayes had their first outing in a Hawks jersey, but it was Justinian Jessup who stole the show with 27 points and five rebounds.
All eyes were on South East Melbourne import, former NBA big man Zhou Qi and he didn't disappoint, mustering a double-double (17 points and 12 boards).
After a tough opening quarter, the Hawks took a slender 27-26 lead into the first break. Both teams weren't afraid to shoot from deep, with Jessup sinking three from long range.
The game continued to move from end-to-end in the second quarter. Illawarra's standout performer was Isaac White, who nailed five long-range buckets which would have impressed coach Brian Goorjian.
White and Jessup ended the half with 17 and 16 points respectively next to their names, but it was the Phoenix who held a 56-51 advantage at the main break.
South East Melbourne came firing out of the blocks in the third, going on a 11-5 run to open up a 67-56 advantage, before Jessup mustered eight unanswered points to cut the margin to three.
The game continued to see-saw for the remainder of the term, with the Phoenix leading 81-79 going into the last quarter.
The visitors lifted early in the fourth, establishing a 92-86 lead midway through the term. But South East Melbourne refused to give in, going on a 10-4 run to draw level with two minutes remaining.
The teams continued to go head-to-head, with Rathan-Mayes sinking a bucket to draw level at 100-100 with 30 seconds left. Both sides had late chances, but the score remained even by full-time.
Ryan Broekhoff (twice) and Tim Coenraad traded three-pointers to begin overtime, as the Phoenix took a 106-103 advantage. However, the Hawks surged again, scoring seven unanswered points to lead by four points.
Both teams continued to fight hard late, but the Hawks were able to hold on for a 116-112 victory.
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Joshua Bartlett
A sporting fanatic who is keen to promote all codes in the Illawarra and abroad. Mercury's chief football reporter.
A sporting fanatic who is keen to promote all codes in the Illawarra and abroad. Mercury's chief football reporter.
