Brisbane Bullets produced a commanding road performance on October 24, 2026, defeating Illawarra Hawks 98-81 in the National Basketball League. The Bullets led from the early stages and never allowed the Hawks to complete a serious comeback, combining efficient perimeter shooting with disciplined defense in a convincing 17-point win.

Match overview

Brisbane set the tone with a 26-19 first quarter and extended their advantage to 50-40 by halftime. The Hawks improved in the third period but could not make a decisive dent in the deficit, and the Bullets pulled away again in the fourth to close out a win that underlined their control of the contest.

• First quarter: Illawarra 19-26 Brisbane
• Second quarter: Illawarra 21-24 Brisbane
• Third quarter: Illawarra 22-23 Brisbane
• Fourth quarter: Illawarra 19-25 Brisbane
• Final score: Illawarra Hawks 81-98 Brisbane Bullets

How the game unfolded

Brisbane’s early execution was sharp. The Bullets moved the ball with purpose, found open shooters, and attacked the offensive glass when the Hawks’ defense rotated. Illawarra had spells of good offense, particularly when Tyler Harvey found space on the perimeter, but the Hawks struggled to string together defensive stops. The second quarter belonged to Brisbane’s bench, which maintained the intensity and helped push the lead into double figures.

The Hawks made their expected push in the third quarter, lifting their defensive pressure and playing with more urgency. But Brisbane absorbed the run, answered with timely baskets, and kept the margin comfortable. The final quarter was controlled by the visitors, who slowed the tempo and made the extra pass to close out the game.

Tactical story

Brisbane’s perimeter shooting stretched Illawarra’s defense and opened driving lanes. The Bullets were patient in the half court, often using multiple screens to force switches before attacking the resulting mismatch. Defensively, they limited Illawarra’s transition opportunities and made the Hawks work for points. The Hawks’ interior scoring kept them within reach for a while, but their inability to contain Brisbane’s backcourt proved costly.

Standout performers

Brisbane guard Shannon Scott led the Bullets with 21 points and eight assists, controlling the pace and making key shots when Illawarra threatened. Illawarra’s Tyler Harvey finished with 19 points, while the Hawks’ frontcourt contributed on the boards. Brisbane’s balanced scoring was the key difference, with multiple players hitting double figures and the bench providing a steady contribution.

Season impact

The result is a significant road win for Brisbane Bullets in the National Basketball League and a reminder of their ability to dictate games with shooting and composure. For Illawarra Hawks, the defeat highlights the need for greater consistency at the defensive end, especially against teams that move the ball quickly. The Hawks will look to respond in their next fixture, while Brisbane can take confidence from a complete team performance.