After trailing by 19 points midway through the second quarter, Wollongong closed to within three points during the final term before suffering a 89-78 loss.

After fighting hard to emerge from the big hole they found themselves in, the Hawks would be disappointed not to have gone on and won the match.

Taipans import Julien Mills led the way with 21 points, while Tywain McKee top scored for Wollongong with 18.

After trailing 22-21 after the opening quarter, the Hawks were hammered in the opening six minutes of the second term.

With Mills (15 first half points) leading the way, Cairns outscored Wollongong 24-6.

The Hawks regained their composure in the final minutes of the half, but still headed into the main break staring down the barrel of a 49-35 deficit.

Mills connected on all five of his first half three-point attempts to lead the home team.

Former Hawk Dusty Rychart added eight points and six rebounds.

Tragardh led the Hawks with 10 points and six rebounds, one more than captain Mat Campbell.

Campbell's nine first half points came via a trifecta of three-point baskets in the opening three minutes of the match.

The margin was down to eight points after the Hawks outscored Cairns 20-14 in the third quarter.

The Hawks continue their weekend road double when they meet Townsville on Saturday night.