Illawarra’s stranglehold on rivals Sydney under new coach Justin Tatum has been tightened after a tough 86-79 NBL win in Wollongong.

The Hawks frustrated the Kings on Saturday evening as they moved to 7-4 to finish third, a raucous crowd enjoying the last laugh after another spirited build-up between the NSW neighbours.

The Kings (7-6) are fifth after taking 71 shots compared to the Hawks’ 55, but one fewer bucket than the hosts, who also attempted 10 free throws.

The Hawks’ South Korean sharpshooter Hyunjung Lee (16 points, four rebounds, two assists) made his first four three-pointers and didn’t miss a shot until the fourth quarter.

Wani Swaka Lo Buluk (12 points, six rebounds) made timely contributions on both ends, while Sam Froling scored 14 points and Trey Kell (19 points, five assists) picked up Player of the Game honors.

The Hawks led by as many as 19 players but faced some resistance late in the third term.

But William Hickey’s chase of Alex Toohey and a Kell three-pointer at the buzzer gave the Hawks a 13-point cushion at the final break.

The visitors came again in the fourth quarter, Kouat Noi hitting a triple and then making an offensive error before Jaylen Adams’ triple (23 points, six assists, six steals) made it a seven-point game.

Cam Oliver (16 points, seven rebounds) hauled in a huge board and hit the triple, making it a two-point game with three minutes to play.

However, Tyler Harvey (13 points) showed up when needed and made his three-point attempt to relieve some pressure.

Adams kept coming, another triple bringing them within six in the final minute before Harvey’s free throws and a defensive play from Swaka Lo Buluk cooled the game.

It has been a frustrating return to his old club for Kings coach Brian Goorjian, while Tatum now boasts a 4-0 record against Sydney – and 11-5 at home – since taking over the embattled Hawks last year.