NICKNAME/S: Sav

BIO: Glen Saville was born in Bendigo (VIC) and began playing basketball with the Bendigo Braves as a junior. Saville received a scholarship to attend the Australian Institute of Sport (Canberra) in 1993. He spent two years year there and played for the program’s state league team (1993, 1994).

NBL EXPERIENCE

Glen Saville made his NBL debut with the Illawarra Hawks at 19 years of age. He scored 11 points in his first game.

After three consecutive years of being eliminated in the first round of the NBL playoffs, head coach Alan Black knew his job was on the line if the team was unable to advance past the Quarterfinals. Black was able to re-sign star import Melvin Thomas and have veterans Chuck Harmison, Mick Corkeron and Dene MacDonald return but lost Butch Hays and Craig Adams, who both signed with Newcastle. Black bolstered his roster by replacing Hays with pass-first point guard Andre LaFleur, who had connected on more assists than any other player in the league over the prior three seasons, former Perth Wildcats star Kendal Pinder, young talent Glen Saville and Illawarra junior Terry Johnson.

Five games into the season, offcourt issues arose surrounding Pinder (9.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.2 assists), who was released from the team after facing criminal charges. However, with his absence and injuries to Mick Corkeron (9.7 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 0.7 assists), the Hawks witnessed the explosion of young point guard Terry Johnson. Johnson, who had failed to make his with the Giants two years earlier. Off court issues saw the Giants question Johnson’s commitment to the sport which resulted in him spending a year playing with Cairns in the state league. Johnson (11.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.8 assists) respnded by tripling his numbers from 1993 to finish as the competition’s leading three point shooter at 48 percent (34 of 71) and runner-up to Tonny Jensen (Newcastle) for the Most Improved Player award.

Melvin Thomas led the team in almost every category, posting 27 points, 10 rebounds, 4.6 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 1.8 blocks and formed quite the duo with LaFleur, who finished with averages of 21.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, 7.4 assists and 1.9 steals. Saville finished his rookie season with averages of 5.8 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 0.5 assists.

Illawarra (14-12) finished seventh and faced off against second-placed South East Melbourne in the Quarterfinals. In game one, the Hawks delivered a upset, defeating the Magic behind a 29 point outburst from 37 year old veteran Chuck Harmison (12.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.9 assists). The Hawk’s flying start was stemmed once the series moved to Melbourne. There, the Magic claimed victory in both games two (92-89) and three (93-75) to deliver a fourth straight Quarterfinals exit for Illawarra in as many years.

At season’s end, Black was not re-signed by Illawarra and promptly took up a role with rival club Sydney for the 1996 season, taking Hawks star Melvin Thomas along with him.

1996
After coach Alan Black (to Sydney) and the Hawks’ leading scorer and rebounder from the previous four seasons Melvin Thomas (to Sydney) left Illawarra, Mick Corkeron, Kendal Pinder, Steve Vos and Jason Brettell were also not retained as the club looked to rebuild.

Andre LaFleur, Terry Johnson, Matt Zauner, Chuck Harmison, Dene MacDonald and Glen Saville all returned, while incoming coach Brendan Joyce added Marcus Timmons (via Yakima), Greg Hubbard (via Sydney) and rookie Mat Campbell.

The Hawks opened the season at Beaton Park with a 106-99 loss to Brisbane, with the second-year forward held scoreless while collecting one rebound in a quiet start to the campaign.

Saville (6.7 points and 4.1 rebounds) continued to improve upon his rookie season and was selected for the NBL Future Forces Game alongside Campbell (6.5 points).

Timmons (21.9 points, 12.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 2.3 steals) surprised many by emerging as one of the premier forwards in the competition and led Illawarra in scoring, rebounding, steals and blocks, while LaFleur (18.8 points, 6.9 assists, and 1.2 steals) showed clear signs of slowing down during his sixth season and recorded career lows in points, rebounds and assists.

Johnson (16.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 2.2 steals) produced the strongest numbers of his career, with Zauner (15.7 points and 7.7 rebounds) providing another reliable option in the frontcourt.

Hubbard (6.4 points) struggled to overcome a back injury, played only 16 minutes per game and retired at the end of the season.

Saville’s strongest stretch came late in the year, beginning on August 30 when he produced 14 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists in a 121-111 loss to Canberra as his role within the rotation continued to grow.

One week later, Saville (20 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 assists) helped Illawarra defeat Adelaide 120-101, showing how far he had progressed from his quiet opening-night performance.

His best game came on September 13, when Saville (22 points, 16 rebounds, and 2 steals) joined LaFleur (31 points) and Johnson (22 points) in a 130-122 road loss to Townsville, while Clarence Tyson (38 points) led the Crocodiles.

The Hawks finished tenth with a 9-17 record after closing the season the following night with a 110-94 win over Gold Coast.

1997
After missing the playoffs again in 1996, Illawarra entered a rebuilding phase after losing leading scorer and rebounder Marcus Timmons (to Melbourne), while Andre LaFleur (not re-signed) and Greg Hubbard (retired) also left the club.

Head coach Brendan Joyce would focus on the continued development of new captain Matt Zauner, Terry Johnson, Mat Campbell and the club’s emerging 21-year-old swingman, while adding Eric Cooks (via Ballarat) for veteran leadership and signing young imports Bryan Edwards and Clayton Ritter.

Illawarra opened the season at Beaton Park on April 12 with a 112-96 loss to Newcastle, where Glen Saville (16 points and 5 rebounds) was one of the Hawks’ strongest performers in his first game of the year.

Saville (13.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.6 steals) took a major step forward during his third season, more than doubling his scoring from the previous year while becoming one of Illawarra’s leading rebounders and earning selection for the 1997 NBL All-Star Game.

His best game came on May 2 when Saville (25 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 steals) recorded his season-high and helped Illawarra snap a three-game losing streak with a 121-103 win over eventual champions Melbourne, who were led by Andrew Gaze (29 points) and Mark Bradtke (23 points).

Edwards (18.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.5 steals) provided plenty of individual production but was not the fit Joyce needed at point guard and was replaced by Dylan Rigdon midway through the season.

Rigdon (23 points, 6 rebounds, and 8 assists) made an immediate impact in his debut against North Melbourne on June 14, while Saville (16 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks) continued his improved form, but the Hawks fell short 111-104 as Pat Reidy (33 points and 8 rebounds) and Mike Mitchell (27 points) led the Giants.

Ritter (23.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.3 steals) led Illawarra in scoring, produced two games with more than 40 points and won the Hawks’ team MVP award, while Rigdon (19.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists) gave the team stronger point guard play following his arrival.

Zauner (12.9 points and 7.5 rebounds), Johnson (9.4 points and 3.4 rebounds), Cooks (8.9 points and 6.5 rebounds) and Campbell (8.7 points) provided the remaining support, although a contract dispute between Zauner and Joyce created further problems away from the court.

Illawarra missed the playoffs for a third consecutive season and finished 11th with a 7-23 record, closing the year at Beaton Park on September 27 with a 115-90 win over Brisbane.

1998
After Dylan Rigdon and Terry Johnson (to Newcastle) exited the team, the Hawks retained Clayton Ritter, Eric Cooks, Mat Campbell, Matt Zauner and Glen Saville from the previous season’s group.

Head coach Brendan Joyce signed defensive-minded import guard Elliot Hatcher and added Cameron Dickinson, Mark Dalton, Justin Withers and Matthew Oyston as the Hawks looked to improve on their seven-win season.

The 1998 season was the NBL’s final winter campaign and the club’s last at Beaton Park’s Snakepit, with the Wollongong name and move to WIN Entertainment Centre following for 1998/99.

The Hawks opened the season at Beaton Park on January 30 with a 109-96 win over North Melbourne.

Saville (10.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.5 steals) continued to develop into one of the Hawks’ strongest all-round players, finishing second on the team in rebounding.

His best game came when he scored a season-high 28 points.

Ritter (24.6 points and 8.1 rebounds) was named captain, led the Hawks in scoring and rebounding, won the club MVP award and earned All-NBL Second Team honours, while Hatcher (19.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 2.7 steals) became the team’s second-leading scorer and led the Hawks in steals.

Campbell (12.6 points), Cooks (11.9 points and 7.2 rebounds), Dickinson (6.4 points) and Dalton (5.0 points and 3.2 rebounds) provided the remaining support.

On April 3, Saville (8 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block) helped the Hawks defeat Newcastle 102-94, with Ritter (31 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists), Hatcher (25 points) and Cooks (19 points and 10 rebounds) leading the offence, while Tonny Jensen (25 points) and Ben Melmeth (22 points and 18 rebounds) were best for Newcastle.

The Hawks closed their regular-season home schedule on May 31 with an emotional 109-97 win over Townsville in the final regular-season game played at the Snakepit, with Saville (4 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) contributing across the floor.

The Hawks doubled their win total from seven to 14 and finished the regular season in sixth place with a 14-16 record, returning to the playoffs for the first time since 1995.

The elimination finals opened at Beaton Park, where Perth defeated the Hawks 95-85 in the final NBL game played at the Snakepit.

Game two moved to Challenge Stadium, where Hatcher (34 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, and 4 steals), Ritter (17 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals) and Saville (11 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) led the Hawks, while Scott Fisher (21 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists), Todd Lichti (21 points, 4 assists, and 2 steals) and Ricky Grace (17 points, 4 rebounds, 11 assists, and 3 steals) led Perth who completed the sweep with a 120-97 win.

1998/99
After Elliot Hatcher and Matt Zauner exited the team, the Hawks retained Clayton Ritter, Mat Campbell, Glen Saville, Eric Cooks, Cameron Dickinson and Mark Dalton from the group which had won 14 games and returned to the postseason the previous year.

Coinciding with the NBL’s move to summer, the club shifted from Beaton Park to the Wollongong Entertainment Centre and changed its Illawarra prefix to Wollongong, while head coach Brendan Joyce added CJ Bruton (via Brisbane), Theron Wilson and David Andersen (via AIS).

Wollongong opened the season at its new home on October 9, where the young swingman (12 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal) contributed in a 100-76 loss to Newcastle.

Saville (12.1 points, 8.5 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 2.0 steals) appeared in all 30 games and developed into one of Wollongong’s strongest all-round players, leading the team in rebounds, assists and steals.

Bruton (20.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.9 steals) was given the ‘green light’ as Wollongong’s starting point guard and primary offensive weapon, increasing his scoring from 15.4 points the previous season to 20.8 points per game and winning the NBL Most Improved Player award.

Ritter (17.6 points and 6.3 rebounds) and Campbell (15.0 points and 3.6 rebounds) also finished among the Hawks’ leading scorers, while Wilson (7.6 points and 4.9 rebounds), Andersen (6.2 points and 4.0 rebounds) and Cooks (4.2 points and 3.3 rebounds) provided the remaining support.

Joyce shared the NBL Coach of the Year award with Lindsay Gaze, while Campbell finished third in voting for the NBL Best Defensive Player award.

His best game came on January 15 when Saville (24 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals) helped Wollongong defeat Newcastle 110-94, reaching his season-high in scoring as Bruton (26 points, 4 assists, and 3 steals) and Campbell (23 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists) also starred, while Pat Reidy (26 points and 8 rebounds) was best for Newcastle.

On February 21, Saville (17 points, 14 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) controlled the glass as Wollongong defeated Sydney 95-68, with Bruton (24 points and 5 assists), Campbell (20 points and 4 assists) and Wilson (13 points and 10 rebounds) providing support, while Acie Earl (24 points, 9 rebounds, 3 steals, and 5 blocks) led the Kings.

In the final regular-season game on March 12, Saville (16 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 5 steals) helped Wollongong defeat Canberra 96-79, with Bruton (22 points), Campbell (18 points and 4 assists) and Ritter (13 points) also leading the Hawks, while Melvin Thomas (19 points and 7 rebounds) was Canberra’s best.

The Hawks won two more games than the year prior, improved their record for a third consecutive season and finished third with a 16-10 record after winning the head-to-head tiebreaker over Victoria.

Victoria opened the Qualifying Finals at Melbourne Park with a 96-65 win over Wollongong, with Ben Pepper (16 points) leading the Titans, while Saville (10 points) and Andersen (7 points) were best for the Hawks.

Game two moved to the Wollongong Entertainment Centre, where Victoria defeated Wollongong 91-82 to complete the sweep.

Despite the two losses, the Hawks advanced under the league’s ‘lucky loser’ rule as the highest-placed losing team from the Qualifying Finals.

Wollongong opened the semifinals at home, where Ritter (23 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 steals), Campbell (15 points and 4 assists), Bruton (13 points and 5 rebounds) and Saville (10 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals) led the Hawks, while Brett Maher (25 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists), Kevin Brooks (22 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Martin Cattalini (14 points and 5 rebounds) carried Adelaide to a 93-81 win.

Game two moved to Adelaide Arena, where Bruton (27 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists), Campbell (20 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists), Cooks (9 points and 10 rebounds) and Saville (8 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists) kept Wollongong close, while David Stiff (22 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 blocks), Maher (19 points), Brooks (16 points and 7 rebounds) and Darnell Mee (9 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals, and 3 blocks) led Adelaide.

With the 36ers trailing by three in the final seconds, the Adelaide big man collected Rupert Sapwell’s missed three and returned the ball to Sapwell (11 points and 4 rebounds), who made his second attempt to force overtime before Adelaide completed the sweep with a 99-98 win.

1999/00
Following a playoff campaign where Wollongong lost four games in a row, the Hawks reshaped the roster after David Andersen (to Europe), Theron Wilson (to Europe) and Clayton Ritter (to Canberra) departed.

Brendan Joyce retained a young core led by CJ Bruton, new captain Mat Campbell, who would hold the role for more than a decade, Eric Cooks and Mark Dalton, while adding Mike McKay (via Canberra), Todd Mundt (via Newcastle), former Hawks MVP Melvin Thomas (via Canberra), and Darren Perry, who returned to the NBL after five years in the state league to provide leadership to the young, up and coming roster.

The season opened at the WIN Entertainment Centre with a 99-77 win over Sydney, as Glen Saville (17 points, 16 rebounds, and 9 assists) fell one assist short of a triple-double and played a major role in Wollongong starting the year with a victory.

Saville (14.0 points, 7.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.9 steals) played 26 games and delivered in every area, providing rebounding, playmaking and defensive production from the wing.

Bruton (22.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 2.2 steals) remained the team’s primary offensive weapon, while Thomas (19.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.2 steals) provided scoring and rebounding inside and Campbell (14.2 points) added perimeter scoring.

On November 19, Wollongong defeated West Sydney 111-99 at the Whitlam Centre, with Bruton (34 points), Saville (22 points and 13 rebounds) and Campbell (20 points) leading the Hawks, while Derek Rucker (34 points) and John Rillie (21 points) were best for the Razorbacks.

The double-double was one of his best games of the season and helped Wollongong secure one of its strongest road victories.

On December 9, Saville (25 points and 6 assists) produced his season-high scoring game against Adelaide, with Bruton (27 points and 6 assists) and Thomas (21 points) also keeping Wollongong competitive, but Martin Cattalini (35 points) led the 36ers to a 111-103 win.

Despite the individual performances, the Hawks could not consistently defeat the league’s top teams, with the offence often relying too heavily on Bruton.

Mundt (8.8 points and 4.9 rebounds) struggled to play big minutes and failed to provide the expected production, leading Wollongong to release him with nine games left and sign Matt Garrison as his replacement.

Garrison (17.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.7 steals) delivered an immediate improvement across the final nine games and gave the Hawks a stronger inside presence, but the change came too late to save their season.

His play was enough for Wollongong to re-sign him for 2000/01.

Thomas and Saville were voted as the Hawks co-MVPs.

In their final game, Wollongong hosted Perth at the WIN Entertainment Centre, where Saville (15 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block) and Thomas (13 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 assists) led the Hawks, while Ricky Grace (25 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists) carried the Wildcats to a 93-88 win that left Wollongong in eighth place with an 11-17 record.

2000/01
Prior to the start of the 2000/01 season, coach Brendan Joyce turned over almost half his roster, adding Axel Dench, Charles Thomas, Damon Lowery, Grant Kruger, Matt Shanahan, and veteran Ray Borner. The changes paid off immediately, as the Hawks put together their most successful regular season in franchise history.

With five players averaging double figures in scoring, Wollongong’s offense was one of the most well-rounded in the league, allowing them to challenge powerhouse teams that relied heavily on star duos. Their ability to spread the scoring load made them an unpredictable and difficult team to defend, setting the foundation for their historic championship run.

Melvin Thomas (19.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.2 steals), Charles Thomas (16.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.6 steals) provided versatility on the perimeter, while Glen Saville (15.5 points, 9.7 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 2.0 steals, and 1.1 blocks) continued to be the heart and soul of the team, filling the box score in almost every category.

Other key contributors included veteran Damon Lowery (13.6 points, 2.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.4 steals), rookie Axel Dench (13.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks), and Mat Campbell (12.8 points, 3 rebounds, and 1.1 steals).

The team went on to finish in fourth place, tying with Perth at 21-7, but losing the tiebreaker due to head-to-head results. Wollongong’s success was built on their ability to win tight games, finishing the season with an unbeaten 12-0 record in games decided by three points or fewer. Their road record was just as impressive, as they went 12-2 away from home, the best in the NBL that season.

Despite their stellar performance, no Hawks player made the All-NBL First or Second Team, showing that their success was truly built on teamwork and depth rather than individual dominance. In a league dominated by superstar duos like Andrew Gaze & Mark Bradtke (Melbourne), Ricky Grace & Paul Rogers (Perth), and Darnell Mee & Brett Maher (Adelaide), Wollongong relied on their collective effort to rise to the top.

In the playoffs, Wollongong upset Perth in Game 1 of the qualifying finals with a combined effort from Melvin Thomas (22 points and 13 rebounds), Damon Lowery (19 points), Glen Saville (12 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists), and Mat Campbell (10 points and 5 rebounds), securing a 97–90 win at home.

The Hawks fell short in Game 2 in Perth, losing 95–106. Saville had 14 points and 9 rebounds, but the Hawks were unable to match the Wildcats’ offensive firepower.

This set up a decisive Game 3 in Perth, where the Hawks pulled off a major upset, winning 98–88 thanks to a dominant effort from Saville (26 points and 16 rebounds) and Lowery (20 points). Wollongong stunned the Wildcats and secured their first-ever playoff series victory.

The semifinal series against Adelaide opened with a dramatic 84-83 win in Game 1, marking Wollongong’s first victory in Adelaide since 1990. Saville played a critical role in the triumph, recording 13 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 assists while helping the Hawks hold off the 36ers’ late-game surge.

Game 2 saw the series return to Wollongong, but Adelaide responded with an offensive explosion, defeating the Hawks 111-100. Saville had another strong outing, finishing with 15 points and 10 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to stop the 36ers from forcing a Game 3 decider.

The deciding game turned into one of the most controversial moments in NBL history. With Wollongong trailing 108-106 in the final seconds, Damon Lowery launched a three-point attempt that was blocked by Darnell Mee. However, the officials called a foul, sending Lowery to the free-throw line with no time left. Lowery calmly sank all three free throws, completing a dramatic 109-108 victory and sending the Hawks to their first-ever Grand Final. Saville once again delivered in the clutch, recording 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists, proving his ability to perform under pressure.

The Hawks faced Townsville in the 2001 NBL Grand Final, with Game 1 played at a packed WIN Entertainment Centre. The Hawks secured a 104-101 victory behind strong performances from Melvin Thomas (24 points, 14 rebounds) and Mat Campbell (19 points).

The series then shifted to Townsville, where the Crocodiles bounced back to win Game 2 convincingly, 114-97, after shutting down Wollongong’s offense. Despite another solid effort from Saville, the Hawks were unable to match Townsville’s intensity.

Game 3 took place the very next day and turned into a grueling battle. Wollongong emerged with a hard-fought 97-94 win, clinching their first NBL championship. Saville was instrumental once again, finishing with 18 points and 12 rebounds. Charles Thomas (23 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists) and Melvin Thomas (18 points, 12 rebounds) also delivered standout performances.

Saville’s outstanding contributions throughout the playoffs earned him the NBL Finals MVP, a testament to his all-around impact and leadership in guiding the Hawks to the title. Wollongong’s 2-1 victory made them the first New South Wales club to win an NBL championship, cementing their place in league history.

Coach Brendan Joyce was named NBL Coach of the Year, recognising his role in building a selfless, well-balanced team. Axel Dench was also honored as the league’s Rookie of the Year. For Saville and the Hawks, the 2001 championship was a moment of validation—proof that perseverance, teamwork, and resilience could overcome even the toughest challenges.

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2001/02
After ending the previous season as NBL champions, Wollongong lost starting centre Matt Garrison (to Cairns), while head coach Brendan Joyce retained co-captain Mat Campbell, Melvin Thomas, Charles Thomas, Damon Lowery, Axel Dench and almost the entire championship roster.

Joyce replaced Garrison with Ben Pepper (via Victoria), adding another seven-footer to the Hawks’ frontcourt as the team began its title defence.

Wollongong opened the season at the WIN Entertainment Centre with a 108-97 win over Canberra, with co-captain Glen Saville (10 points and 3 blocks) helping the Hawks begin their championship defence with a victory.

Saville (15.3 points, 9.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.7 blocks) led Wollongong in scoring and finished second in the NBL in blocks, continuing to impact games as a scorer, rebounder, playmaker and defender.

Charles Thomas (14.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.9 steals) and Melvin Thomas (14.7 points and 9.7 rebounds) were the Hawks’ next two leading scorers, while Campbell (12.7 points), Pepper (12.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks), Lowery (10.5 points), and Dench (9.5 points and 4.5 rebounds) rounded out the rotation.

Injuries limited Dench to 17 games, while Joyce added Mike Chappell (via Michigan State) midway through the season, with the former NCAA champion scoring 17 points on debut against Perth.

Chappell (14.3 points and 6.3 rebounds) appeared in 15 games and gave the Hawks another perimeter scoring option over the second half of the season.

On November 18, Saville (25 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals, and 2 blocks) delivered his season-high scoring game as Wollongong defeated Cairns 91-84, making 8-of-11 from the field and 7-of-13 at the free-throw line.

Wollongong defeated West Sydney 98-90 at the WIN Entertainment Centre on November 30, with Charles Thomas (25 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals), Saville (18 points, 15 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks) and Melvin Thomas (16 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists) leading the Hawks, while John Rillie (21 points and 7 rebounds), Derek Rucker (15 points and 8 assists) and Simon Dwight (15 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks) were best for the Razorbacks.

Saville produced another huge all-round performance against Townsville on December 8, finishing with 22 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists, 6 steals, and 1 block as Wollongong won 120-105.

Charles Thomas (25 points), Campbell (23 points) and Lowery (21 points) also delivered offensively for the Hawks, while Andrew Goodwin (21 points and 6 rebounds) led Townsville.

Wollongong closed the regular season with a 111-93 win over Melbourne, with Campbell (29 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists), Saville (17 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 block) and Chappell (17 points and 9 rebounds) leading the Hawks, while Mark Bradtke (32 points and 8 rebounds) was best for the Tigers.

The result left Wollongong tied with West Sydney and Melbourne at 16-14, with the Hawks claiming fourth place through the three-way head-to-head tiebreaker.

Wollongong opened the Quarterfinals at the WIN Entertainment Centre, where Pepper (22 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks), Chappell (16 points and 10 rebounds), Campbell (14 points) and Saville (11 points and 5 rebounds) led the Hawks, while Willie Farley (26 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals), Rupert Sapwell (19 points and 11 rebounds), Brett Maher (16 points, 6 assists, and 3 steals) and David Stiff (16 points, 13 rebounds, and 5 assists) carried Adelaide to a 107-90 win.

Game two moved to Adelaide, where Melvin Thomas (25 points, 16 rebounds, and 2 blocks), Saville (19 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists), Chappell (17 points and 7 rebounds) and Charles Thomas (16 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists) kept Wollongong close, while Farley (33 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals) and Maher (26 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists) completed the sweep in a 101-95 Adelaide win.