The Seahawks (8-7) must win their final three games and rely on other results to make the top six play-offs but have given themselves a chance with a dominant performance against the Bears.

Illawarra led 24-18 at quarter-time and had the victory sealed by half-time with a 55-40 lead.

They went on with the job in a 28-14 third term and have leapfrogged Norths into seventh spot.

Former Hawks NBL veteran Troy Pilon led all scorers with 18 points, 13 rebounds, five assists, while Luke Higgins had 14 points and nine boards.

Cameron Fincher had 10 points and according to Seahawks coach Matt Flinn was "awesome" at the defensive end in shutting down Norths' scoring threats.

Hawks utility Daniel Jackson (16 points, seven assists) showed his versatility by switching to point guard for parts of the game to fill in for the injured Dom Cooks.

The Seahawks did suffer another injury concern with Josh Woods tearing his calf muscle early in the game after knocking down three straight threes.

"It was an excellent win," Flinn said.

"We prepared very well and knew Norths would junk it up by trying to switch everything, but to the boys' credit they implemented the counter-offence that the coaches put in place.

"The win means we've leapfrogged Norths and now have set our sights on Hills, who occupy the sixth spot.

"We've three games to go, one against Hills, that could very well decide our fate."

The Seahawks (8-7) take on 10th-placed Manly on Saturday afternoon (5pm) at the Northern Beaches Indoor Centre.

The potential play-off decider against Hills Hornets is the following Saturday, July 19, at Beaton Park at 4pm.