NBL Round 4

Hawks v West Sydney

The Wollongong Hawks are searching for their first win this season against the leagues most improved team the West Sydney Razorbacks. The Hawks were very unlucky not to get the win at home last week against Cairns. Stephen Black was the difference in the end scoring crucial buckets in the final two minutes to continue the agony. Cam Tragardth had a career night, 30 points and 14 boards. He is really relishing more responsibility with the club after the mass exodus of talent from last year. The Hawks obviously didn’t have the depth when it counted but they showed great fighting spirit.

What else can you say about the Razorbacks this season. If it was not for the unlucky overtime loss to the Crocs at home in their first match their would be 4-0! Darnell Hinson was named player of the week after his performance against the Breakers last week, 27 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals and a block. Liam Rush also lit up for 25 points and 8 boards. They have not shirked at the tasks handed to them, they have had two tough rough trips and come away with big victories. Can they make it three?

This is a real danger game for the Razorbacks. It is one of the most difficult things to do in the game to play teams that haven’t had much success, because you just know they will be hungry. How they get up for this game with the start they have had will be important. With Knight and Petrie both ruled out through injuries, away from home and on an emotional high it does spell massive letdown here.

The home team will welcome back import James Peters. He is still finding his feet in this league but with the Razors minus some bigs this is his big opportunity. The Hawks out rebounded the Taipans by 13 last start, pretty impressive considering Cairns is the best rebounding team in the league so far this season. Most impressive was their hussle on the offensive boards gaining a 16 to 7 advantage. They beat up their opponent in other key categories as well.

The matchup of Franklin and Hinson is well worth the price of admission. Mat Campbell in a shoot off with Troy Devries. Tragardth down on the low block against Khazzouh. This game has all the makings of a tightly fought encounter.

It will be interesting to see how the Hawks handle the young Razors speed. The visitors are second only to the super charged Bullets offence this season. But at the other end is where the Hawks can exploit them in the halfcourt.

Selection- Hawks 2.20 or more 2 units (2.25 Domebet)

Interestingly the Razors will be favs for the first time this season so all the pressure will be on them to continue on their winning way. Hawks have been at home for 3 weeks now and have not had to travel anywhere so they are well rested. The Razors have had some great victories in previous weeks but coupled with some key injuries and the amount of travel they have had this is a massive letdown situation for them.

They might also be looking ahead to cross town rivals the Sydney Kings next week as well. Hawks have shown signs and have been better each week and I am expecting them to break through for the first win this year.