Big men Scott Hare (17 points) and Matt Brunell (23) were aggressive from the outset, while point guard Chaz Bishop nailed clutch shots down the stretch to hold off a fast-finishing Hawks.

The Heat went on a 13-0 run at the start of the second quarter to build a 33-18 advantage, but led by just five at the main break.

Illawarra ground their way back into the contest and took a 62-60 lead early in the final term, but eight late points from Bishop proved pivotal as the visitors lost their composure.

Wagga scored 11 unanswered points to take a 74-64 lead with two minutes left, the Hawks committing two unsportsmanlike fouls and two technical fouls late in the defeat.

After winning just one of their first seven matches, the Heat (3-6) have won both games since coach Matt Bishop has taken over the reins of their Waratah Basketball League division one campaign.

Hare said the win over an Illawarra side who had won seven of eight matches previously this season had given them belief their finals hopes aren't dashed yet.

"We've had a rough start to the season so it was really important, it was do or die at this point," Hare said.

"Every game from now on we have to leave everything on the court. They're a very physical and big team, we knew we had to match that.

"As big as they are, we still have an advantage with our size. Matt really set the tone at the start of the game."

Hare praised youngster Bishop for being assertive when the game was on the line.

"Chaz is a great young player, he's got plenty of potential. He plays with emotion which can sometimes get you in trouble, but he really held his control today," Hare said.

"He slowed it down and sped it up when needed, and did a great job."

The Heat host the Queanbeyan Yowies at 7pm this Saturday, after the Blaze-Yowies women's clash from 5pm.

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