The Wollongong Hawks remain entrenched at the bottom of the NBL ladder after Friday night’s enthralling 103-98 overtime loss to Melbourne United at WIN Entertainment Centre.

Wollongong held a six-point lead in the final minutes of regulation before three-pointers by Nate Tomlinson and Dave Barlow tied the game.

Both sides had chances to win in the dying moments but an extra period was required to break an 86-all deadlock.

Head to the Hawks Nest

A small crowd of 1732 was treated to one of the best games of the season, with both teams shooting at a high percentage.

The lead changed hands throughout a high intensity clash and, fittingly, it wasn’t decided until the closing stages of overtime.

Hawks guard Gary Ervin poured in a game-high 31 points, Oscar Forman added 20, while Tim Coenraad and Jahii Carson combined for 20.

Melbourne had five players in double figures, led by Jordan McRae’s 30.

Wollongong have lost 13 of 16 games and have a battle on their hands to avoid finishing last.

Melbourne improved to 8-7 and host Sydney on Sunday.

Forman opened his team’s account with a pair of threes before a noticeably focused Ervin scored Wollongong’s next six points.

When Rhys Martin stole possession for a second time and scooted away for a lay-up, the Hawks had a 14-7 lead after three minutes.

Melbourne steadied after coach Darryl McDonald’s time-out and were only down by three points with two minutes left in the first quarter.

Wollongong pushed the margin back up to five but they dropped their guard in the closing stages and fell behind 28-27 heading into the second period.

Ervin led the way with nine points, as the home side connected on a sizzling 73 per cent of their shots.

Melbourne broke free for a couple of open shots and built a 37-32 lead, prompting coach Gordie McLeod to call a time-out.

Ervin sparked a revival with a basket and Forman splashed back-to-back threes to put the Hawks up by four with five minutes remaining in the half.

The visitors responded again, scoring eight unanswered points before Brad Hill drove in for a lay-up on the buzzer to cut Melbourne’s lead to 48-46 at half-time.

Ervin had 14 points, three assists and three rebounds, Forman was up to 12 points, while Martin racked up five points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals.

McRae was the standout for Melbourne with 12 points.

The Hawks made 64 per cent of their field goal attempts and Melbourne were also hot at 59 per cent.

Melbourne asserted their authority in a low-scoring third quarter and stretched the margin to nine.

Wollongong cut the margin to five, only to allow their opponents to make it 71-62 with a quarter to play.

Ervin triggered yet another fightback, as the Hawks opened the period with a 10-0 run to take the lead.

Like a couple of prize fighters, both teams stood and threw blows at each other throughout the final quarter, but Melbourne were the ones still standing at the final bell.

The Hawks made 54 per cent of their shots for the game and Melbourne were equally impressive at 53 per cent.