NBL playoffs, Illawarra Hawks v SEM Phoenix: News, scores

Illawarra has a breakthrough NBL championship in its sights, and they’ve drawn first blood against SEM Phoenix to be closer to breaking that 24-year title drought.

Derrick Walton Jr passes during game one of the NBL Semi Final Series against Illawarra Hawks. Picture: Getty Images

Illawarra has a breakthrough NBL championship in its sights, and they’ve drawn first blood against SEM Phoenix to be closer to breaking that 24-year title drought.

Trey Kell (24 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists) and Tyler Harvey (23pts, four-from-nine from three) shot the way forward for the Hawks, while Todd Blanchfield’s 16 points from the bench came at the right times as the Hawks won 101-94.

Will Hickey was also strong, with eight rebounds and seven assists to go with his six points.

Joe Wieskamp led the scoring for the Phoenix with 22 points, while Nathan Sobey (17pts, 9reb) and Derrick Walton Jr (15pts, 11reb) chimed in with big contributions.

Trey Kell III and Sam Froling get up for a rebound. Picture: Getty Images

But nothing could stop the Hawks’ second half fightback, as a 32-12 third quarter changed the complexion of the game.

Wieskamp hit at 83 per cent from the field through the first half on his way to 13 points, as the Phoenix hold a 61-54 lead at the break at WIN Entertainment Centre.

Matt Hurt (8pts) and Nathan Sobey (7pts) have been at their consistent best, while Derrick Walton Jr has caught fire in his return, with seven points and an astonishing nine assists at the main break.

Trey Kell has led the scoring for the home side with 13pts, 5 rebounds and 4 assists, with the rest of the offensive output spread among the squad.

The Hawks held a slim 31-27 lead after the first quarter before the Phoenix took the first game of this play-off series by the scruff of the neck.

The visitors outscored Illawarra 34-23 in a powerful display through the second 10 minutes.

Originally published as NBL playoffs, Illawarra Hawks v SEM Phoenix: News, scores