Illawarra Hawks Shock Melbourne United with Dominant Victory

In an electrifying display of skill and determination, the Illawarra Hawks delivered a stunning upset over the top-ranked Melbourne United, winning 107–93 at Wollongong's WIN Entertainment Centre. The game, part of the Ignite Cup, featured an outstanding performance from JaVale McGee and became one of the season’s biggest surprises in the NBL.

The Masterclass Performance of JaVale McGee

JaVale McGee turned in a masterclass performance, recording a season-high 37 points and 14 rebounds. His accuracy from the field was remarkable as he hit 13 of 21 shots and made 10 of 11 free throws. This dominant effort underscored his unique impact on both ends of the court.

“McGee’s energy and precision set the tempo early, helping the Hawks take a 32–22 lead by the end of the first quarter.”

His dynamic presence and interaction with the crowd further elevated the team’s enthusiasm, creating a wave of momentum that carried throughout the match.

Team Dynamics and Key Contributions

Although McGee led the charge, the Hawks’ victory was a strong team effort. Will Hickey added 18 points with aggressive play on both ends of the floor, while Tyler Harvey impressed from distance, hitting four of five from beyond the arc for a total of 17 points. Their collective intensity allowed Illawarra to outpace Melbourne United in nearly every quarter.

Summary

The Illawarra Hawks combined confidence and teamwork to deliver a defining victory that reaffirmed their potential in the Ignite Cup.

Author’s Summary: A revitalized Illawarra squad stunned Melbourne United through McGee’s dominance and cohesive team play, sealing a memorable win in front of a thrilled home crowd.

Sohu — 2025-11-06