The Melbourne Tigers came close to snatching their first win of the season, but for the third game in a row were unable to execute when the going got tough down the stretch, slumping to 0-5 for the season.

Playing without Cameron Tragardh (elbow), the Tigers were forced to alter their starting line-up and inserted the energetic Tommy Greer into the first five, but a red-hot Wollongong Hawks burnt the visitors early and built a double-digit lead that the Tigers could never overcome, despite getting within one point during the final quarter.

In the end the 'Gong came up with the baskets that they needed and kept the Tigers winless, the Melbourne side falling 93-82.

Playing under a cloud of pressure, Tigers import Eric Devendorf was extremely efficient, scoring 19 points on only 11 field goal attempts (6/11) as the sweet-shooting guard drove the catapult through the Hawks defence when the Tigers charged back into the game during the third quarter.

Devendorf has put together games of 16 (v New Zealand), 16 (v Wollongong) and a season-high 19 (v Wollongong) in succession and is definitely more in tune with the flow of the Tigers offence and has discovered where his best shots will come from without needing to force anything.

In fact, he now ranks first at Melbourne in points and is averaging 13.2ppg.

Playing as a secondary ball-handler, Devendorf also has appeared much more comfortable lately bringing the ball up the court against full-court pressure, and even though the 23-year old had four turnovers in the game, his ability to get the Tigers in motion has improved considerably since the first few games of the season.

But despite the American's improved play, it is believed he might be on shaky ground with the Tigers looking at adding Donta Smith to the line-up at his expense.

The Tigers, who have been in contact with Julius Hodge, Corey Williams and Smith, plus another unknown high-profile import, are intent on making a change to the roster in an attempt to shock the team into another gear, and the Tigers hierarchy still believe that the playoffs are a chance.

Wollongong and New Zealand currently occupy the top two positions on the ladder and own 5-1 records respectively, and both sides appear certain to make the playoffs - barring a catastrophe that derails either side.

Perth, who improved to 4-3 with a 40-point thumping over the New Zealand Breakers on Sunday, also appear to be a certainty to make the post-season because their dominance at home will see them win enough games with ease

So that leaves Melbourne chasing Cairns (3-2), Townsville (3-3) and Gold Coast (2-3) for the final spot in the top four when the playoffs begin.

The Tigers are going to be starting well and truly behind, currently 0-5 with a Friday night clash against the defending champion Perth Wildcats that could see the Tigers drop to 0-6 with upcoming road dates with Gold Coast and Townsville on the horizon.

The big question is, will they be making this charge at the top four with or without Devendorf?