Illawarra stuns Perth in NBL upset as Narkle shines

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 2 Nov, 04:02 · Archive

Bottom-ranked Illawarra defeated third-placed Perth 105-98 in the NBL, with reserve Johny Narkle making crucial plays down the stretch.

Bottom-ranked Illawarra have pulled off the biggest upset of the NBL season, stunning third-placed Perth 105-98 at RAC Arena on Saturday night. The Hawks won each of the first three quarters and led by 15 deep into the third term before Perth rallied. The Wildcats pinched the lead midway through the fourth quarter, but Illawarra pulled out the win.

Illawarra dominated on the boards throughout. They led 24-19 at quarter-time and held a 51-44 halftime advantage after controlling the rebounds 14-5 in the second quarter. The Hawks continued their rebounding dominance, at one stage owning a 27-14 advantage including 10-2 on the offensive glass.

Illawarra reserve Johny Narkle made a name for himself with crucial plays down the stretch. He gave the Hawks the lead back with a four-point play, followed it with three calm free throws after snaring a huge offensive rebound, then completed a steal and athletic slam. He rejected a Brandon Knight lay-up in the dying seconds. Kelan Martin scored 23 points for Illawarra and Makur Maker added 21. For Perth, Anthony Dell'Orso scored 21 points and Dylan Windler had 19 points and 11 rebounds. Hawks captain Justin Tatum praised his team's unselfish play and determination to find a way to win.

Illawarra stuns Perth in NBL upset as Narkle shines — Image: The West Australian

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How it is being reported

NBL: Geraldton’s Johny Narkle’s last quarter heroics inspire Illawarra Hawks in upset win over Perth WildcatsGeraldton’s Johny Narkle provided the spark his side needed on Saturday night, as the last-placed Illawarra Hawks stunned the Perth Wildcats to claim a shock victory at RAC Arena.The West Australian · 2 Nov, 03:00
Reserve inspires Hawks to upset NBL win over WildcatsLittle-known Illawarra reserve Johny Narkle has made a string of huge plays down the stretch to steer the Hawks to a shock seven-point win over the Wildcats.Perth Now · 31 Oct, 13:01
Reserve inspires Hawks to upset NBL win over WildcatsLittle-known Illawarra reserve Johny Narkle has made a string of huge plays down the stretch to steer the Hawks to a shock seven-point win over the Wildcats.The West Australian · 31 Oct, 13:01

In this story: Illawarra Hawks · Perth Wildcats · Johny Narkle · Kelan Martin · Makur Maker · Anthony Dell'Orso · Dylan Windler · RAC Arena

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