Illawarra coach Rob Beveridge wasn’t exaggerating when he labelled his side’s 103-96 double-overtime win over New Zealand one of the most significant victories in the club’s history.
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Kevin Lisch anchored the win with one of the finest individual displays by anyone wearing Hawks colours but was ably supported by a side that’s transformed itself from late game faders to one of the NBL’s grittiest outfits.
Rhys Martin played a key and measured hand from the bench while Cody Ellis dropped a clutch three-pointer in the dying seconds to send the game into overtime; undoubtedly the biggest moment of his NBL career to date.
The win also sealed a 4-0 sweep of the league’s defending champions which included handing them their biggest ever loss, 107-83, at Vector Arena in round 11.
The win was the Hawks ninth in their last 11 games with their only two losses coming in double-overtime against Cairns and by a solitary point to Melbourne two weeks ago.
‘‘I think it was a real proud moment for the club, the grittiness, the heart,’’ Beveridge said.
‘‘Oscar fouled out, Lisch rolled his ankle, Kirk’s hammy cramped up so I didn’t play him.
‘‘To win in double OT in New Zealand, down by 11 was just an incredible fight.”
