Illawarra stave off gallant 36ers at home

The Illawarra Hawks have sealed a season sweep over the Adelaide 36ers for the first time in 32 years by beating the visitors 87-71 in Wollongong.

Stunned in their last outing at the WIN Entertainment Centre, Brian Goorjian's side set themselves up for a comfortable win early, leading by as many as 19 points through the second quarter.

However, Adelaide (5-8) responded with fire and venom after the main break, going on a 13-5 run before tying the game at 59-59 behind a plethora of offensive rebounds and second chance opportunities.

The Hawks (9-7) wrangled back momentum late in the third term to take a three-point buffer, before Isaac White caught fire in the fourth term along with Tyler Harvey and Duop Reath as the hosts surged for a vital win.

White had 14 points in as many minutes off the bench, while big man Reath led his sides scoring with 18 points, eight rebounds and three blocks on as he put the game out of reach from the free-throw line late.

Next Stars ace Justinian Jessup also had an efficient night, registering 17 points on 6 of 10 shooting while hitting three of his six attempts from deep.

The win improves Illawarra's home record but their post-season push will incoude nine of their 12 games remaining on the road.

"I don't fear the road," Goorjian said after the win.

"It's not where you play, its how you play.

"I'm excited to go on the road with this group and excited about the future of the organisation."

Goorjian was alluding to the re-signing of centre Sam Froling, on a three-year deal, which he said is a testament to the direction the club is heading off the floor as well.

"I'm really excited about Sam, Sam's future and that he's going to be here and it says a lot about the ownership in our organisation