Hunter's 28-Point Double-Double Powers Mustangs

The Maitland Mustangs defeated the Illawarra Hawks 80-56 on Saturday at The Snakepit Stadium. Maitland dominated inside the paint, outscoring Illawarra 38-30 despite taking fewer shots overall. Sydney Hunter was unstoppable, posting a massive double-double with 28 points and 13 boards on an efficient 68 percent shooting from the field. The Mustangs controlled the glass all night, grabbing 51 rebounds to Illawarra's 36, including 21 offensive boards that led to 21 second-chance points. Shakera Reilly added 18 points and three steals while the team shot a solid 30 percent from outside. Illawarra struggled to find rhythm offensively, hitting just 30 percent of their field goals and connecting on only one triple all night. Ella Dent carried the offensive load with 23 points including a perfect 10-for-10 from the charity stripe. The Hawks stayed competitive at the foul line, making 21 of 26 attempts, but couldn't overcome their shooting woes and 16 turnovers. **MAITLAND MUSTANGS 80 (Sydney Hunter 28, Shakera Reilly 18, Monique Rudder 9).** **ILLAWARRA HAWKS 56 (Ella Dent 23, Asha Phillips 10, Lauren Gatwood 5).** #NBL1East #GameDay