Illawarra Hawks take flight to upset Melbourne United in NBL

Four-time Olympian David Andersen turned back the clock to lead the Hawks to an 87-81 upset of Melbourne United.

Kevin White of the Hawks looks for a shot despite pressure from Melbourne’s Casper Ware at the WIN Entertainment Centre in Wollongong. Picture: AAP

Four-time Olympian David Andersen turned back the clock with a vintage shooting display to lead Illawarra Hawks to an 87-81 upset of NBL titleholders Melbourne United at WIN Entertainment Centre in Wollongong.

Still playing at 39 after several seasons in Europe and two in the NBA, Andersen poured in a season-high 18 points as the Hawks boosted their record to 3-4.

American import Brian Conklin added 15 points and Tim Coenraad finished with 14. Chris McCarron and Casper Ware led Melbourne with 18 points each, while Josh Boone had 17.

United’s record stands at 5-3 heading into Sunday’s home game against Cairns.

Despite the absence of star guard Chris Goulding with a knee injury, the visitors confidently jumped out to 15-11 lead before the Hawks closed with a 15-4 surge to be ahead 25-20 at quarter-time.

The Hawks controlled the opening minutes of the second period, extending the margin to 11. But just when they were on track to build a big halftime lead, Melbourne raised the bar, cutting the deficit to four.

The home side regained the momentum to be ahead 51-42 at halftime, aided by a technical foul called on Melbourne coach Dean Vickerman late in the quarter.

Illawarra continued to outplay their star-studded opponents, taking a 72-59 lead into the final period and answering every challenge down the stretch.

AAP