BASKETBALL
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Outclassed and out-enthused a week ago, Wollongong centre Larry Davidson knows the Hawks will need to change their attitude drastically to deal with the likes of Breakers veteran Mika Vukona on Friday.
After being demolished on their home court in almost every department in a 82-53 defeat against the Sydney Kings last Friday, the Hawks travel to New Zealand desperate to improve their dismal record of 1-8.
Anything other than a huge improvement could more than likely see a blowout loss, particularly, Davidson believes, if the Hawks can't deal with Vukona's enthusiasm.
"Mika has been doing it for a long time. He is physical and relentless and that is the biggest thing with him, if you don't match his intensity then he is going to destroy you," he said.
"That is something you want to come into the game with that we didn't show on Friday against Sydney.
"We didn't come out with that fire and that burn to want to win a game. Hopefully we have learnt from that."
Vukona has been well aided off the bench in recent matches by improving American big man Ekene Ibekwe.
The 206-centimetre import was subdued against the Hawks in round three but more recently has demonstrated his credentials around the basket.
He followed up a massive 20-point, 14-rebound performance against Cairns last Friday with a 14-point, nine-rebound display in Townsville on Sunday.
"He was still trying to get a feel for his game when we played them down here," Davidson said.
"He was shooting a lot of jump shots. He is obviously very athletic, which I am not, so I will have to try and make up for that with my brain.
"It will be a big challenge across the board with all their players."
Wollongong were defeated 79-77 by the Breakers at home on October 26 despite an inspiring fourth-quarter fightback.
The result put New Zealand on track to claim four of their past five matches in the NBL, including three critical road wins.
Davidson has seen shades of their triple championship winning team in the run.
"The way they have been successful when they won the three championships in a row, I think they are very good at turning mistakes back on you," he said.
"If you have a turnover or a bad shot, or mess up on defence, they are very good at executing against that and doing it quickly.
"You give up an offensive board, they are going to find a shooter or get a lay-up."
"You can't have mental lapses against them."