Wollongong left their comeback too late in Saturday's trial against arch rivals Sydney at Moss Vale Basketball Stadium.

Down by 22 early in the fourth quarter, the Hawks chipped away to reduce the final score to 97-88.

After an even opening period, the Kings took control in the second quarter and built a 64-46 half-time lead.

Full coverage of the Hawks

The Hawks struggled to get in sync offensively at times and connected on just 3/10 three-point shots.

Wollongong captain Oscar Forman believes the loss was a timely eye-opener.

"It's a good check for us," Forman said.

"Our defence needs to get better. We need to pay attention to the referees and stay out of foul trouble, especially us bigs. We need to have everyone on the same page understanding our offences, and I think that'll be the focus this week.

"We had times when we were fantastic when we moved the ball. It was typical Hawks basketball. But when it gets stagnant and doesn't get through hands, that's when the defence has a good chance to get set."

Guard Jahii Carson led the Hawks with 22 points, getting most of his haul from the foul line (12/15).

Tim Coenraad tallied 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Gary Ervin, Dom Cooks and Dave Gruber finished with 10 points apiece.

Sydney also had five players in double figures and outrebounded the Hawks 38-25.

The Kings hit 55 per cent of their shots to Wollongong's 46 per cent. The Hawks were more efficient at the free throw line with 25/29.

The Hawks are 2-1 in the preseason and will head to Brisbane this weekend for the NBL Blitz. They have drawn Adelaide on Saturday and Perth on Sunday.

Forman said there is plenty of room for improvement before the 2014-15 season opener against Townsville on October 10.

"We need to make sure everyone does know the offence, because it is tough and it is new to people," Forman said. "It's better finding that out now. At least we're still three or four weeks away from our first game, so we do have time to tweak those things and look at anything in our offence that needs to change.

"In the past we've always had a designated point guard and designated two-guard, whereas now we're looking at two point guards, and whoever doesn't have the ball is the two. That is going to take a little bit of getting used to and us understanding where shots are going to come and how to run plays."