Brisbane has recorded a crucial 98-81 win over a slow-starting Illawarra to get its season back on track on Saturday.
After storming out to a 20-point lead, the Bullets were outscored 27-14 in the third quarter as the game came back to life.
But a steady fourth term secured the Bullets their fourth win of the season as their record improves to 4-4.
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Bullets guard Nate Hinton performed superbly with a game-high 21 points and six rebounds.
Hinton was particularly strong in the opening half with 14 points.
Coming off the bench, Bullets big man Archie Woodhill was influential with 10 points and five rebounds from 16 minutes in his career-best NBL performance.
Will Weaver’s side has now won two of its past three games following the victory, and respond strongly after a tough 21-point loss to Tasmania.
Tyrell Harrison (14 points and eight rebounds) and Raul Neto (11 points and four assists) were also strong contributors.
Tough going
The Hawks have now lost five of their last six games and remain on the bottom of the table at 2-8.
Saturday’s loss in Wollongong follows a disappointing 82-108 loss to local rivals Sydney Kings at the same venue.
Grida lifts Hawks
Hawks small forward Daniel Grida was the energy source the Hawks needed.
The 28-year old fired six points in the third quarter to help bring the Hawks to within three points of the Bullets after being 20 points down at halftime.
It was a crowd-erupting Todd Blanchfield triple that lifted Justin Tatum’s side to within a possession with three minutes remaining in the third quarter.
Blanchfield was most promising for the Hawks with a team-high 19 points and four boards from 19 minutes.
Mackinnon leads Brisbane Bullets to win | 00:57
Bullets get the jump
The Bullets led by nine at quarter time and by half time, they were leading 55-35 in a dominant start.
Nate Hinton was leading the charge with 14 points, six assists and three steals in the half.
Hawks forward Todd Blanchfield was just about the only shining light for his side with 10 points in the opening half as they recorded a sloppy nine turnovers.