Playing against his former team, Forman poured in a career-high 29 points on near-perfect shooting and grabbed a team-high seven rebounds.

The 11th-year forward hit 11/12 field goals, including an impeccable 7/7 from three-point range.

Wollongong’s win was their sixth of the season and will boost their chances of avoiding the wooden spoon for just the second time in the club’s 33-year history.

Despite being out of finals contention, the Hawks have thumped the Breakers twice in three meetings by an average of 17 points.

The teams square off again in Auckland next Thursday.

Also starring for the Hawks tonight were Joevan Catron (15 points, three rebounds, one steal, one block in 16 minutes off the bench) and Tyson Demos (10 points, 3/5 threes).

Rhys Martin tallied nine points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals, Ayinde Ubaka had 10 points and three assists, while Glen Saville finished with six assists and six rebounds.

Gary Wilkinson led the Breakers with 16 points.

Wollongong made 51 per cent of their shots as a team - one of their more accurate performances of the season.

The Breakers remained in top spot despite the loss.