NBL 2014/15 Round 19: Hawks snatch win off late Forman heroics
Back to back three pointers with the Hawks trailing on both occasions from captain Oscar Forman has propelled Wollongong to a 75-73 victory over the Sydney Kings at the Qantas Credit Union Arena.
Tallying a total of 17 points for the game, Forman couldn't have timed his fourth and fifth triples of the game any better. Both punches were landed within the final minute of the game, as a desperate Kings outfit couldn't find a reply to Forman's antics right at the end.
In a defensive minded game throughout the middle part, the two teams were playing a run and gun style to open the contest before shutting both ends down.
Wollongong were able to hold a slender advantage after the opening ten minutes, before Sydney's Ben Madgen (6 points, 4 rebounds) went down with a dislocated shoulder. Madgen was not taken to hospital, however will be doubtful for next weekend's fixtures as the medical staff were unable to pop the shoulder straight back in.
The second half was a battle of the guards, with Kendrick Perry finding form against both Jahii Carson and Gary Ervin who both had positive impacts.
Perry (20 points, 6 rebounds) was ferocious in the final quarter, trying to put the team on his shoulders late in the game with his ability to get to the rim.
However, the one-two punch of Carson (14 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists) and Ervin (7 points, 6 assists, 3 steals), as well as the addition of Rhys Martin (13 points, 6 assists) to the fold had too much effect on the game, as the Hawks were able to rely on the trio to close the game.
Both teams went basket for basket in the final few minutes, which included a two point scoop from Perry who found his way to the ring with 44 seconds remaining which looked to have been the winner.
All before Oscar Forman stepped up to hit one of the toughest jump shots of the game, a three pointer with Tom Garlepp executing the near perfect close out.
Sydney Kings 73 (Perry 20, Garlepp 15, White 9)
Wollongong Hawks 75 (Forman 17, Carson 14, Martin 13)
@ Qantas Credit Union Arena