NBL Round 19 news: Top-six takes shape as Hawks win 102-78 over JackJumpers

The Hawks have strengthened their grip on first place, and the NBL’s top-six is all but locked in, after Illawarra all but ended the JackJumpers hopes of defending their title. See the latest news.

The NBL’s top-six is all but set after the Illawarra Hawks thumping win over the Tasmania JackJumpers.

Illawarra strengthened their grip on first place while all but ending the JackJumpers hopes of defending their title in the playoffs with a 102-78 win on Thursday night at MyState Bank Arena.

With two games left in their season, the Hawks now sit one win clear of second placed Melbourne United.

For the JackJumpers, they could be two games behind Adelaide in sixth if the 36ers beat the injury plagued Brisbane Bullets on Friday night.

Tassie have two games to play – one against Melbourne on Saturday before welcoming the Cairns Taipans next week.

Hawks players celebrates the win during the round 19 NBL match between Tasmania Jackjumpers and Illawarra. Picture: Getty Images

HOT DEFENCE AGAINST COLD DEFENCE

Illawarra has now won 13 straight games when limiting the opposition to 90 points or less.

It was a record which improved as the JackJumpers, who have averaged the lowest points per game of any side this season, struggled to find rhythm.

Milton Doyle had 15 points in the first half, including 13 in the second quarter, but was otherwise well held. Clint Steindl (13 points) and Jordon Crawford (17) offered some support but it wasn’t enough against the high powered Hawks.

Finishing with 102 points means Illawarra is on track to become the first team since the Melbourne Tigers and New Zealand in the 2008-09 season to average more than 100 points per game.

Sam Froling produced a dominant first half performance for the Hawks. Picture: Getty Images

FEED FROLING

Illawarra led by 18 at the main break and much of it had to do with the first half dominance of Sam Froling.

The 24-year-old had 16 points in the first two quarters on the back of a dominant inside game where it felt like he would score at every opportunity

Former NBL guard Pete Hooley said in ESPN’s broadcast Froling was “unique unlike most traditional big men” giving his willingness to put the ball on the floor.

Gorjak Gak, handed his first start of the season for the Jackies, proved to be no match on the inside.

Pinpointing a lack of size inside for the JackJumpers in a halftime interview, it was a little surprising Froling would only have one shot in the third quarter.

He eventually finished with 18 points.

“He dominates in the paint like that and makes our life easier,” Tyler Harvey said post-game.

Gorjok Gak proved no match for the Hawks in his first start of the season for the Jackjumpers. Picture: Getty Images

A STREAK TO KEEP AN EYE ON

The JackJumpers’ have made plenty of history in their short existence and they’ll be eyeing off another record next season.

Thursday was the club’s 54th straight sellout home game and the league’s record of 61 games is in sight.

It’s a figure which belongs to the defunct Townsville Crocodiles who consistently packed out The Swamp.

Tassie’s home court has about 1000 less seats than the home of the Crocs, the Townsville Entertainment Centre.

“Very clear sign we need to expand. Chats with the (Tasmanian) Government are going well. We’re on the way,” JackJumpers and NBL owner Larry Kestelman told the broadcast.

Originally published as NBL Round 19 news: Top-six takes shape as Hawks win 102-78 over JackJumpers