Wollongong has one eye on the National Basketball League minor premiership after defeating the Sydney Kings for the second time this season in round 10.

A new import also finally helped New Zealand win in Australia as the Breakers showed some desperately needed signs of life in an action-packed NBL round.

Wollongong (12-3) closed the gap on undermanned ladder leader Sydney (12-2) with a convincing 117-99 home win over the defending champion.

Wollongong, which beat Perth 121-103 and lost 87-80 to Adelaide earlier in the round, secured the vital season split over Sydney, playing its first game without Jason Smith.

Wollongong's 2-1 series record over the Kings gives it the upper hand if they finish equal at season's end.

The Hawks outscored Sydney 65-46 in the middle two quarters and monstered it 54-29 on the boards to ensure the win.

The alarming rebounding statistic could sway Sydney to look at recruiting a strong rebounder as it searches for an import to replace Smith (knee), who is out for the season.

Ben Knight finished one short of equalling his career best with 37 points on a 16-of-21 shooting from the floor.

Sydney's Matt Nielsen battled bravely, scoring 30 points with CJ Bruton tallying 21, but only one after halftime.

Earlier in Wollongong's week, Damon Lowery scored 25 points in a victory over Perth but the Hawks slipped up in Adelaide.

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