Sydney Kings v Wollongong Hawks

It may have come too late for their 2011-12 title hopes but the Kings are on a roll.

Fresh from a rousing 80-74 victory over the Cairns Taipans last weekend, Sydney enter this weekend’s climactic clash with the wood on the Hawks, having crushed their Wollongong rivals three times this season, most recently by 92-81 a fortnight back.

But it won’t be all one-way traffic this Saturday night at The Kingdome. Although both these teams find themselves on the lower rungs of the ladder, there’s plenty to play for.

The Hawks have claimed the wooden spoon just once in their history, but will be stung by their favouritism for that dubious honour this season. They showed it last week by beating the Melbourne Tigers 71-61, after losing eight of their first nine at The Sandpit.

Sydney have shown fresh tenacity under new coach Shane Heal. Against Gold Coast recently they racked up 83 points, shooting an impressive 51 per cent from the field.

Forget the stats. Ignore the ladder. Put aside your prejudices. This game will be a tight fight between two desperate teams and the truest test of both sides will be courage.

Be there to witness this final 2011-12 season battle… and see you at the Time Out Bar!