Ringwood Hawks Edge Out Frankston Blues in NBL1 South Thriller

The Ringwood Hawks delivered a statement performance at home on June 30, 2026, defeating the Frankston Blues 99–93 in a fiercely contested National Basketball League1 South encounter. The victory keeps the Hawks firmly in the mix near the top of the standings, while the Blues will rue costly turnovers and missed opportunities in the final quarter.

Match Overview

From the opening tip, both teams traded blows in a high‑tempo game that featured crisp ball movement and physical defence. Ringwood established a narrow early lead that they refused to surrender, but Frankston repeatedly clawed back within striking distance. The Hawks’ bench provided a vital spark in the second period, stretching the margin to double digits before the Blues responded with a run of their own just before halftime.

Key Moments

• First Quarter: Ringwood shot 60% from the field, with guard Tom Hogg scoring eight points in transition.
• Third Quarter Run: Frankston’s big man Liam Nelson dominated the paint, cutting a nine‑point deficit to three with a series of hook shots.
• Crunch Time: With under two minutes left and the Hawks up 94–91, Ringwood’s veteran forward Jake O’Brien hit a step‑back jumper and then blocked a Blues three‑point attempt on the other end to seal the win.

Standout Players

• Ringwood Hawks: Jake O’Brien finished with 24 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists. Point guard Nathan Yates added 19 points and 8 dimes, orchestrating the offense calmly under pressure.
• Frankston Blues: Liam Nelson recorded a double‑double (26 points, 12 rebounds), while shooter Marcus Bell contributed 21 points off the bench, including four three‑pointers.

League Context

The NBL1 South is one of Australia’s premier state‑based competitions, often serving as a proving ground for future NBL talent. Ringwood now improves to 14‑7 on the season, keeping pace with the top four. Frankston drops to 11‑10 but remains in the playoff conversation. This head‑to‑head result could prove decisive for seeding in a crowded middle of the table.