The Adelaide 36ers chalked up their second win of the NBL season on Monday night, defeating the Illawarra Hawks 98-92 at the WIN Entertainment Centre.
Big man Daniel Johnson led the way for the 36ers in the six-point win, with 21 points and 10 rebounds.
He was one of five 36ers to score in double-figures, along with Ramone Moore (16), Jerome Randle (15), Harry Froling (15) and Jack McVeigh (14).
The Hawks, who committed seven more fouls (27-20), were paced by 645-game NBA veteran Aaron Brooks, who finished with a game-high 31 points, to go along with five rebounds and three assists.
US sensation LaMelo Ball contributed 15 points, seven assists and five rebounds, while Sam Froling added 12 points and five rebounds for the Hawks.
The 36ers jumped out of the blocks to lead 12-4 before the hosts closed the margin to five at the end of a high-scoring first quarter.
Back-to-back baskets by 36ers forward McVeigh saw the lead balloon to 11 points with three minutes remaining in the half.
But strong play from Brooks, who led all scorers with 19 first-half points, ensured the Hawks only trailed 56-49 at the break.
The catalyst to the visitors' advantage at half-time was their ability to get to the stripe, shooting 15/19 compared to 6/7 for the Hawks - who were also 3/17 from beyond the arc.
Three straight turnovers by the 36ers and three-pointers from Todd Blanchfield and Sam Froling saw the Hawks fight back to be within four points midway through the period, before they trailed 79-74 heading into the last.
Late game heroics by Brooks brought the game back to two points before clutch free throws by Johnson sealed the visitors' victory.
The 36ers, now 2-1 for the season, next host Cairns on Friday, while the Hawks (1-4) travel to New Zealand to face the Breakers on Thursday.