Blanchfield Powers Hawks Past Mustangs in Thriller

The Illawarra Hawks edged out the Maitland Mustangs 96-88 on Saturday evening at The Snakepit Stadium in a tightly contested clash featuring 42 lead changes. Illawarra was led by Todd Blanchfield's dominant double-double performance with 31 points and 16 boards. Blanchfield was efficient from the field, shooting 50 percent while also contributing five blocks on the defensive end. Kobe McDowell-White added 20 points and seven assists, while Matthew Mims chipped in 16 points and grabbed eight rebounds. The Hawks converted from the charity stripe at a higher clip, hitting 70.6 percent compared to Maitland's 65.4 percent. For Maitland, Christian Little matched McDowell-White with 20 points and six assists but was hampered by seven turnovers. Jay Cole provided a spark with 17 points and nine rebounds (five offensive), while Billy Parsons added 14 points off the bench on efficient shooting. The Mustangs controlled the glass with a 52-47 rebounding advantage and scored more in the paint (50-42), but struggled from outside, hitting just five triples at 21.7 percent. **ILLAWARRA HAWKS 96 (Todd Blanchfield 31, Kobe McDowell-White 20, Matthew Mims 16).** **MAITLAND MUSTANGS 88 (Christian Little 20, Jay Cole 17, Billy Parsons 14).** #NBL1East #HoopsFever