Draped in the colours of Illawarra Steelers, the Hawks came from behind to score a crucial 110-95 victory over Cairns Taipans at WIN Entertainment Centre.

A dominant second half helped Illawarra boost their record to 12-13 with three matches remaining in the campaign.

All three will be must-win contests if the Hawks want to outlast fourth placed rivals Adelaide 36ers (13-12) and Brisbane Bullets (12-13) for a spot in the post-season.

Hawks import Cedric Jackson gave flashes of his NBL MVP winning best with a double-double, tallying 13 points, 10 assists and three steals in the win.

He was one of seven Hawks players who scored in double figures as Brian Conklin (16 points), Todd Blanchfield (13 points) and Kevin White (11 points) all provided a spark.

The Taipans made the trip to Wollongong without hulking big-man Nate Jawai, but Rob Loe ensured his absence went relatively unnoticed with a starring performance.

Loe had 14 of his 16 points in the first half while DJ Newbill (20 points) and Melo Trimble (13 points and 11 assists) played crucial roles.

Illawarra rocketed out of the blocks with a 10-2 run, capped off by a delightful up and under lay-up from Jackson that resulted in a three point play.

Cairns were able to withstand the early onslaught and fought back to snatch a one point advantage when Newbill drained one from outside with five minutes gone.

A steal and fast break score from young gun Emmett Naar had restored a seven point lead for the hosts before they carried a 30-27 buffer into the first change. 

Hawks bench weapon Tim Coenraad (13 points) shouldered the offensive load early in the second quarter as a gritty Cairns outfit continued to give as good as they got. 

The Taipans lived behind the three point line throughout the second term, with Jarrod Kenny possessing the hot hand as he nailed three consecutive long bombs in the space of 90 seconds.

It helped Cairns to a 57-54 lead at the main break. With their season on the line, Illawarra emerged from the dressing rooms with added purpose. A 9-2 run to start the term set the tone for a dominant third quarter as Jackson continued to pull the strings on offence.

The Hawks second unit scored 12 straight points to finish the quarter and propel Illawarra to a commanding 82-71 lead by three quarter time. Cairns were unable to dent the 11 point margin throughout the entire fourth quarter as Illawarra continued to hold them at arms length throughout the final term.