The Melbourne Tigers have consolidated second spot on the NBL ladder, outclassing Wollongong 109-98 at the Sandpit.

The Tigers had too much firepower for the struggling Hawks, with centre Chris Anstey leading all scorers with 26 points.

Dave Thomas added 23 points in his 150th game for the Tigers, including 15 in the first quarter.

The Hawks won the final quarter 34-25 to make the scoreline respectable with centre Cam Tragardh top-scoring with 25 points, while Larry Davidson had 20 points and a season-high 16 rebounds.

Melbourne led 60-46 at halftime and held a double-figure advantage from midway through the first quarter until the final few minutes.

The victory lifts the Tigers to a 20-7 record for the season, two wins clear of third placed Brisbane.

A top two finish would guarantee the Tigers direct passage into the semi-finals.

Wollongong are battling to survive in the NBL for next season and face an NBL-imposed deadline to guarantee they will be financially viable next season.

Despite a public rally and two deadline extensions the Hawks are no certainty to survive beyond this season.

Tigers coach Al Westover was pleased with his side's performance.

"We came out of the blocks fast played some tough defence in the first quarter and established a good lead, we needed a performance like this and it keeps us on track for the rest of the season."

Westover praised Thomas for his contribution.

"D.T. is a very important part of our group, he's a rebounder a defender and a hard match up for opponents, if we can get 30 good minutes out of him for the rest of the season we'll be in good shape."

Hawks coach Eric Cooks lamented his team's poor start in which they trailed by 10 points at quarter time.

"It wasn't good to give up 34 points in the first quarter and a double figure lead," Cooks said.

"We battled it right out till the end which was a good sign but the Tigers are a tough team to play catch up against."

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