NBL
Wollongong are counting on their loyal followers to create a "wall of sound" in Sunday's heavyweight bout with the Perth Wildcats.
The Hawks are the league's hottest team with four straight wins to start the season, though championship favourites Perth have barely raised a sweat while chalking up three wins from as many games.
Only one of them will still be unbeaten on Sunday night.
Two of Wollongong's wins were on their home court, including the round-three flogging of Townsville.
Hawks fans were in full voice that night and centre Larry Davidson hoped they would be similarly vocal on Sunday.
"It's epic to hear a wall of sound coming down from the stands onto the court," Davidson said.
"We say it all the time, but I don't know if the crowd really understands how much they help us.
"When we played Townsville the crowd was a huge factor. We came out flat, but the bench came in and gave us a spark - [forward Dave] Gruber went off his nut - and that got the crowd going and they never really stopped.
"If you're doing your job, it definitely helps if someone's there cheering you on, telling you you're doing a good job. It's better than [being on the road] having people booing you and yelling profanities at you.
"If we come out strong and get the crowd into it and keep them going the whole game, come the fourth quarter it's definitely a massive boost for us," Davidson said.
The Wildcats delight in lowering the home team's colours wherever they go and are seeking their fourth consecutive road victory.
But although they had the Hawks' measure last season, Perth captain Damian Martin said his side was expecting a dogfight. "It's a tough environment in Wollongong ... unbelievable," he said.
