Late free-throw drama as 36ers edge out Hawks

Despite missing a late free-throw, Bryce Cotton has helped Adelaide to a tense win over the Hawks. (Matt Turner/AAP PHOTOS)

William Hickey has missed a crucial late free throw as the Adelaide 36ers held on for a thrilling 90-88 NBL win over the Illawarra Hawks at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.

In a topsy-turvy finish to Sunday's match, the Hawks trailed by as much as eight points late in the third quarter before producing a strong finish to close the margin to one with a minute to go.