A standout display from Perth import Casey Prather propelled the hosts to another victory on their home court at Perth Arena.

The talented American had 24 points, six rebounds and four assists in a performance which will more than likely be the norm in his sophomore NBL campaign.

His efforts were well supported by fellow import Jameel McKay, who had 14 points and eight rebounds while returning veteran Matt Knight added 12 points and eight boards.

Hawks guard Kevin White was outstanding in what was arguably his best game at the club with 16 points, including four from four three point attempts.

AJ Ogilvy had 15 points and 12 rebounds and Rotnei Clarke added 13 points for the visitors.

The Hawks looked to set the tone early, but it was Knight who made his presence felt with a hook shot to open the scoring and a block up the other end shortly after to stop reigning NBL rookie of the year Nick Kay.

He led the Cats with seven points in the first quarter as both side traded baskets in a tense opening.

When Cody Ellis drained a three late in the quarter it was 17-all before White drained another from downtown to give the Hawks a three point lead at the first change.

New Perth import Andre Ingram, who only arrived in Australia on Wednesday, hit his first three for his new club to give them a 23-21 advantage in the second.

The Wildcats held the momentum for most of the second period and they kicked nine points clear when Prather stole the ball and hit show-stopping fast break dunk.

Perth's go-to man hit mid-range jump shot shortly after to give them a 39-30 lead.

The Hawks closed that lead to six at the half and were fortunate to see a Prather buzzer beater waved off by the officials.

Prather continued in the same vein he was in the first half with four early points to start the second half.

Illawarra continued to give up offensive boards in the third which allowed Perth to give themselves a buffer.

Knight and Prather were doing the damage, and when the latter hit a three point play the hosts were up 55-41.

White stopped the rot with a big three and had another one not long after to have the Hawks trailing by seven points.

A late three from Ingram had Perth 63-54 up at the final change before White's hot hand continued in the fourth as he nailed another three.

His efforts, alongside Clarke, brought the Hawks within two points at 66-64 with a little more than five minutes remaining.

Jameel McKay and White trade scoring shots to keep the margin at two to set up a tense final two minutes.

But another three from Ingram proved the decisive blow as the hosts held on by seven points.

Illawarra haven't beaten Perth in Western Australia since December 17, 2006.