Hawks dominate Breakers despite Tacko Fall’s debut

The Illawarra Hawks delivered a commanding performance, dismantling the New Zealand Breakers 109-71, overshadowing the highly anticipated debut of 7’6 Tacko Fall, the tallest player in NBL history.

Fall made an immediate impact with three blocks in the first quarter and finished the game with five blocks, five rebounds, and four points in just 14 minutes. Despite his impressive defensive presence, Fall’s contributions couldn’t prevent a resounding defeat for the Breakers.

The Hawks controlled the game from the outset, showcasing their depth and efficiency. The win lifts them to second on the NBL ladder with an 8-4 record.

Youngster Lachlan Olbrich was the standout, scoring a career-high 21 points off the bench. Import Darius Days also impressed with 11 points and seven rebounds, rediscovering his form. Trey Kell III added 17 points, while Tyler Harvey contributed 15 points, highlighting Illawarra’s balanced scoring.

In total, 12 of the 13 Hawks players got on the scoreboard in a dominant all-around team effort.

Illawarra’s clinical performance reaffirms their position as championship contenders, while the Breakers will need to regroup quickly to keep their season on track.

Tacko Fall’s debut, while not enough to secure a win, promises to be a fascinating storyline as the season progresses. His presence on the court will undoubtedly attract attention as the Breakers look to bounce back.