The Wollongong ahm Hawks have scored a narrow 86-80 victory over intrastate rivals the Sydney Kings at ‘The Snakepit’ on Friday night.
In the first pre-season game for the resurrected Kings against an NBL opponent since their readmission to the NBL, the Kings were within one point with a quarter to go but the Hawks drew away in the final period for a close win.
The Hawks were without a recognised point guard with the unavailability of Rhys Martin (ankle injury) and new import Gary Ervin (immigration clearance) for the game.
Tim Coenraad led the Hawks with 31 points, adding five rebounds, three steals and two assists. David Gruber added 19 points, nine rebounds and four steals and Tyson Demos chipped in with 12 points.
Towering Kings centre Julian Khazzouh led Sydney’s scorers with 24 points, while import Rod Grizzard had 21.
The Hawks took a narrow edge in the opening period and led 26-22 at the first change.
In low-scoring second period, Wollongong improved their buffer to six points, 45-39, by the long break.
The Kings came out of the change rooms after the half with renewed focus and outscored the Hawks 25-20 in the third to trail by just a point at the final change, 65-64.
The Hawks held firm however to close the game out in the last to the delight of the big local crowd.
