Wollongong made a blistering 70 per cent of their shots in the first quarter and followed with another solid performance in the second period to take a 48-47 lead into the locker room.

Glen Saville (11 points) and Cam Tragardh (12) were the Hawks' leading scorers, while Rhys Martin had eight and Larry Davidson and Mat Campbell combined for 12.

American guard Kevin Lisch (13) was the standout for Perth, who were heavily favoured in pre-game betting markets.

If the Hawks can repeat their confident first-half display they will have a great chance of claiming their second title in the club's 32-year history.

Wollongong willingly ran with the home team in the first half, with eight players getting on the score sheet in the first quarter.

The Hawks were holding a 23-19 lead when back-up guard Luke Martin got tangled up with Perth forward Jesse Wagstaff away from the ball.

Players from both sides ran in, but no punches were thrown and play resumed.

Martin was subsequently booed every time he touched the ball, but the Hawks and their fans were feeling good after Saville's free throws gave them a 31-25 lead after one period.

Perth coach Rob Beveridge looked worried when the margin swelled to 11 early in the second quarter.

Davidson missed a pair of free throws which would have stretched the lead to 13 and Perth responded with a 13-2 run to tie the game at 38-all.

Saville's three-pointer just before half-time gave the Hawks the lead.