The Illawarra Hawks produced a high-powered road performance to beat the South East Melbourne Phoenix 120-110 in a National Basketball League clash at John Cain Arena on Wednesday, 11 November 2026. In a game played at breakneck speed, the Hawks’ balanced scoring and clutch perimeter shooting proved too much for a Phoenix side that kept fighting until the final minutes.

Match overview

Both teams arrived with attacking intent, and the opening quarter set the tone for a free-flowing contest. Illawarra moved the ball sharply and found early rhythm from beyond the arc, while South East Melbourne used the energy of the home crowd to stay within touching distance. The Hawks led 31-28 after the first period and stretched their advantage with a productive second quarter.

By halftime, Illawarra had built a 62-55 lead. The Phoenix remained dangerous in transition and repeatedly attacked the rim, but the Hawks answered nearly every run with a timely three-pointer or a second-chance basket. The final scoreline of 120-110 reflected the pace of the game and the efficiency both teams showed for long stretches.

Key moments

The decisive stretch came in the fourth quarter. South East Melbourne trimmed the deficit to 101-98 with just over six minutes remaining, raising hopes of a comeback. Illawarra responded immediately with a 7-0 run, capped by a corner three and a fast-break layup, to restore a double-digit cushion. From there, the Hawks managed the clock well and made enough free throws to keep the Phoenix at arm’s length.

• Final score: South East Melbourne Phoenix 110, Illawarra Hawks 120
• Quarter scores: 28-31, 27-31, 30-29, 25-29
• Key run: Illawarra’s 7-0 burst in the final six minutes
• Bench impact: The Hawks’ reserves contributed 34 points

Tactical story

Illawarra’s offense was built on quick ball movement and aggressive pick-and-roll play. The Hawks repeatedly forced South East Melbourne into defensive rotations and then punished them with skip passes to open shooters. Their offensive rebounding also gave them extra possessions at crucial moments, particularly in the third quarter when the Phoenix were threatening to take control.

South East Melbourne tried several defensive looks, including a zone and full-court pressure, but the Hawks handled the pressure well. The Phoenix generated points in transition and scored effectively inside, yet they could not string together enough defensive stops. Illawarra’s ability to answer runs was the defining tactical difference.

Standout performers

The Hawks’ backcourt controlled the tempo, combining for 44 points and 15 assists. Illawarra’s import guard was especially effective in the second half, hitting contested shots and drawing fouls on drives. Up front, the Hawks’ big men protected the rim and battled on the boards, helping Illawarra win the rebound count by a narrow margin.

For South East Melbourne, the scoring load was shared. A strong performance from the Phoenix’s frontline kept them in the game, while their guards created opportunities off penetration. The home side’s effort was clear, but costly turnovers in the fourth quarter allowed Illawarra to close out the win.

NBL standings impact

The result adds an important road win to Illawarra’s NBL standings record and reinforces their credentials as a contender in the early part of the season. For South East Melbourne, the loss is a frustrating one, especially after a competitive offensive display. The Phoenix will need to tighten their late-game defense as they look to climb the ladder in the coming weeks.