The murder of Melvin Thomas' brother inspired the Wollongong Hawks to a resounding 140-93 NBL victory over Canberra at Southern Cross Stadium on Tuesday night.

The Hawks took to the basketball court wearing black armbands in tribute, and were determined to win big for their shattered teammate.

Thomas learnt only on the day that his brother had been shot at his home in Detroit, and the Hawks had him boarding a plane to America just hours later.

"Everybody was pretty focused with the death of Mel's brother," Wollongong coach Brendan Joyce said.

"We've been talking about making the most of our playing careers and something like this really hits home.

"The boys were pretty determined to get Mel the win."

After losing their previous three games in a freefall down the ladder, the Hawks took their frustrations out on the under-strength and fatigued Cannons.

Wollongong made the first half a procession, equalling their best score in a quarter of basketball with 50 points in the second, and having their best scoring half in 14 seasons.

The contest was gone long before halftime with the Hawks holding an 82-39 lead and all nine players who took the court making contributions on the scoreboard.

Canberra had little to play for in the second half, but picked themselves up in their fourth game in six days to outscore the Hawks 32-30 in the third.

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