Fatigued Hawks fall short

Illawarra were outscored 51-26 after half time in a 91-62 round four loss away from home.

They had been in the game until the break but couldn’t stay with the six-time NBL champions.

The loss came four days after the Hawks fought off a gutsy Townsville outfit in a 96-88 victory in North Queensland last Wednesday night.

The road trip saw the Hawks rack up close to 10,000km on the road in the space of five days.

"It absolutely took its toll," Beveridge said.

"Kevin Lisch was playing his third game in a week coming back from injury which was always going to play a part.

“It was a heavy schedule but we are through it now and are still 3-4 which I am satisfied with.”

The defeat was the second time in the space of a week that Illawarra had fallen to Perth after they were beaten 106-99 last Sunday in Wollongong. Perth big man Nathan Jawai had a field day inside after starting the match in devastating form.

He scored the host’s first six points and finished with 16 for the match after sitting for the bulk of the second half.

Matthew Knight also had 10 points and nine rebounds.

"We couldn't handle their physicality,” Beveridge said.

“In the end the long road trip took its toll but we have no excuses. They were better on the night.

“There is no question it was a tough night but the boys have a few days off now and we are going to bounce back.”

Perth restricted Illawarra centre AJ Ogilvy to his quietest game as a Hawk as he tallied just six points and four rebounds.

Kirk Penney led the Hawks away from home with 19 points while Lisch added 15.

Jarrad Weeks was strong off the bench again with 10 points.

It wasn’t enough for Illawarra to secure back-to-back wins for the second time this season.

They will return home just outside the top four ahead of a crucial run of matches at home.

Beveridge was keen to get on a strong home run.

“We want to win every game at home,” he said.

“If you split your games on the road and win 80% of home games, you are going to make the playoffs.

“We are still in great spirits.

“We weren’t happy with the loss but they have showed some great character.”

The Hawks next match comes on Friday night at home against the Cairns Taipans.

They then get the chance to extract revenge against the Wildcats at WIN Entertainment Centre on November 6.

“We have five of our next six games at home which is tremendous," Beveridge said.

“Being able to prepare properly is a big factor and is exactly what we need right now.

“We will get back to it after a tough stretch.”

Beveridge is hopeful of having Tyson Demos back for the match after he missed the Hawks’ two game roadtrip with knee soreness.

“The feedback I am getting is that he is going well,” Beveridge said.

“We will put him through his paces and see how he goes but I think he should be ready for the Friday.”