BASKETBALL
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Hawks import Kevin Tiggs isn't likely to forget his first visit to Townsville in a hurry.
A tropical cyclone warning in place for most of North Queensland could make the swingman's first trip to venue known as the "The Swamp" a very literal experience.
"I haven't been up there yet and I think Jordan [Barry] was talking about it is raining pretty bad and they are having bad weather, so hopefully we get in and get out if that is the case," Tiggs said.
The impressive American will be hoping the smash-and-grab effort will include a valuable away victory.
Townsville have lost their past eight matches and the Hawks are determined to keep them in a slump.
"We have been getting ready for them all the week, and we know their strengths," Tiggs said.
"They have got a lot of shooters so we are planning for that and we will see how it goes.
"You have to watch all of them, because you never know who can get hot so you just have to make them use their weaknesses.
"We have got a game plan of what we want to do to them, so hopefully it works for us and we can come out with a win."
No doubt Tiggs will again play a large role in the Hawks game plan at the offensive end after a spate of impressive performances in the new year.
The former East Tennessee State Buccaneer has solidified himself as Wollongong's clear second scoring option, averaging more than 15 points a game.
But while Tiggs insists he was just "going with the flow" on offence, it's the Hawks defence he wishes to focus on.
"We have got to be a little bit more patient and we have to get better on defence too," Tiggs said.
With just 10 games left in the regular season, the Hawks can ill afford another substandard defensive performance against Townsville.
The Crocodiles look set to play a crucial role in Wollongong's playoff aspirations with three encounters against the Hawks left this campaign.
"It is always important to get momentum. We need that to carry it on to these next 10 games.
"I want to make the playoffs by the end of the season, that is the only thing that matters to me. It comes with the territory.
"It ain't over till it is over, that is the Tiggs rule."