The Illawarra Hawks decision-making came into question late in Sunday’s loss to Perth, but it was their rebounding that proved just as costly.
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The Hawks were out-hustled and out-bustled by a determined Wildcats outfit throughout the 106-99 loss at WIN Entertainment Centre.
Perth dominated on the glass, finishing with a 43-25 rebounding advantage at full time.
They pulled down a massive 15 offensive boards, including several just before half time which led to vital second chance points.
Greg Hire led the charge with 11 rebounds while Matthew Knight grabbed 10 and Jesse Wagstaff nine.
“Rebounding is an effort thing really and that showed on Friday night [in the Wildcats loss to Townsville] when we got out-rebounded, out-hustled and out-worked. Our guys have a lot of pride so we are not going to let it happen back-to-back games,” Hire said.
“Matty [Knight] is dealing with a pretty bung shoulder so for him to get double digit rebounds again is a testament to his character and his efforts.”
Illawarra coach Rob Beveridge felt the Hawks should have known better playing against Perth’s experienced front court.
‘‘We kept saying that they are a huge team and a very good rebounding team. The style of game we are playing we dictated the tempo by being so high in our scoring but if we keep taking the ball out of the net it slows us down,” he said. “The offensive rebounding was just a joke, particularly at half time they got off the foul line and got put-backs.
“Those things for us are 100% unacceptable.
“Those players are going to have a real good hard look at themselves and take some ownership for that.”
Hawks centre AJ Ogilvy was restricted to just four rebounds after averaging more than 10 through the first four matches.
Captain Oscar Forman led Illawarra with six.
They’ve lost the rebound count in every game by one to start the season, but never by as far as Sunday’s loss.
It was heightened by their inability to kill the Wildcats off late in the game.
They will look to atone against the Crocodiles on Wednesday.
“We have to turn around now as we have got Townsville,” Beveridge said.
“We feel sorry for ourselves or we can get up and keep going because that is what we will do.
“That is the character of these guys.
“I know Kev [Lisch] and Kirk [Penney] and AJ [Ogilvy] and Timmy Coenraad - every single one of the players in the group will be hurting right now.
“That is a sign that they care for each other and they want this to be a great ball club.
“Unfortunately as a game it did get away.
“We should win games like that but I am confident we should be better for that experience.’’
The Hawks left for Townsville on Tuesday before they will travel across the country to meet the Wildcats again in Perth on Saturday night.
