22
Sep
FIBA Basketball
Hawks claim fifth at FIBA Intercontinental Cup
Illawarra Hawks in action against Japan's Utsunomiya Brex at the Intercontinental Cup in Singapore. Photo: FIBA.com
Game Replays
Illawarra finish fifth at the FIBA Intercontinental Cup as Unicaja Malaga defend their crown in Sing
- Illawarra’s 93–69 win over Utsunomiya shows Oceania’s growing place in world basketball.
- Spain’s Unicaja Malaga became the first club in 47 years to defend the Intercontinental Cup.
- Africa reached the podium for the first time, with Alahli SC taking third over Flamengo.
The Illawarra Hawks capped their maiden FIBA Intercontinental Cup campaign with a 93–69 win over Japan’s Utsunomiya Brex, clinching fifth place in Singapore.
It marks another step in the NBL champions’ push onto the global stage, with Illawarra representing Oceania for the second straight year since the region was added to the tournament in 2024, with Tasmania winning a bronze medal in 2024.
At the top end, Spanish club Unicaja Malaga became the first side in 47 years to defend the Intercontinental Cup.
The Basketball Champions League winners overturned an early 12-point deficit to beat NBA G League United 71–61 in the Final, repeating their success from 2024.
Kendrick Perry was named Player of the Game, while Tyler Kalinoski earned tournament MVP after another hot shooting stretch across three games.
Elsewhere, Alahli SC defeated Brazil’s Flamengo 91–82 to claim third place, the first time an African club has stood on the Intercontinental Cup podium.
Final Standings
- Unicaja (Spain)
- NBA G League United (USA)
- Alahli SC (Libya)
- Flamengo (Brazil)
- Illawarra Hawks (Australia)
- Utsunomiya Brex (Japan)
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