Illawarra Hawks clinched a 93‑73 victory over the Albury Wodonga Bandits on July 8, 2026, then torched the Sydney Comets 102‑79, propelling them to a share of first place on the NBL1 East ladder. The Hawks entered the weekend on a 4‑game winning run (WWWWL) and fresh off a 114‑104 win over Melbourne United on 2025‑03‑23.
How did the Hawks dominate the Bandits?
Matt Mims sparked the offense with 25 points and seven assists, while Mohamed Kone added 20 points and three steals. A 20‑0 run in the second quarter turned a competitive game into a rout. Even though Todd Blanchfield, the reigning MVP, managed only 19 points on 8‑of‑18 shooting, the Hawks’ motion‑heavy attack overwhelmed the young Bandits squad. Caretaker coach Matthew "Harry" Morgan praised his roster’s grit, noting the emphasis on hard catches and defensive denial.
What made the win over the Comets so decisive?
The Hawks lit up the perimeter, sinking 17 three‑pointers at a 57% clip. Mims led again with 23 points, and the team shot efficiently from the paint, forcing the Comets into a 23‑point deficit by halftime. The balanced scoring attack left Sydney scrambling, and the Hawks’ defensive rotations limited second‑chance opportunities, sealing a 102‑79 triumph.
Which players are shaping Illawarra’s playoff push?
Mims has become the go‑to scorer, averaging over 20 points per game in the recent stretch. Kone’s versatility—20 points and timely steals—adds a defensive spark. Blanchfield, despite a quieter night, remains a threat with his ability to create off the dribble and finish at the rim. The blend of veteran poise and youthful energy positions the Hawks as a deep‑run contender.
What does this mean for the NBL1 East standings?
The double‑header sweep lifted Illawarra to a 14‑3 record, matching the North Bears atop the ladder. Meanwhile, the Bandits slipped further down after a fourth straight loss, and the Comets fell to the lower half of the table. With the regular season winding down, every win tightens the race for home‑court advantage in the playoffs.
What’s next for Illawarra Hawks?
Coach Morgan will look to keep the rotation fluid, giving his young core more minutes while maintaining the winning formula. The next fixture pits the Hawks against a top‑five opponent, a true test of their defensive cohesion and offensive firepower. If they continue the current pace, a deep finals run appears within reach.