By Ben Palmer
The Adelaide 36ers bounced back after Thursday nights loss to Illawarra 104-90, after a fourth quarter blitz of 30 points, despite being without the explosive Jerome Randle from early in the third quarter. After a poorly timed bump by Andrew Ogilvy (6 points, 13 rebounds) on the dual-citizen had him carried off the court, the Sixers relied on their depth to get them over the line.
30/01/2015 NBL Adelaide 36ers vs the Illawarra Hawks at Titanium Security Arena (Photo by AllStar Photos)
“I believe that we have one of the deepest teams in the league”, said Adelaide’s Lucas Walker.
“Obviously Jerome was a huge loss, but we went on a 22-2 run in the last quarter without him, and our team chemistry is massive for us right now.”
This was visible as Walker hit a double double, with 12 points and 10 rebounds, Daniel Johnson shared the double double with 19 points, and 11 assists, and Ebi Ere lead the scoring with 28 points, and 4 rebounds.
30/01/2015 NBL Adelaide 36ers vs the Illawarra Hawks at Titanium Security Arena (Photo by AllStar Photos)
Up until the moment Jerome left the game, the crowd was being shown a fierce one-on-one battle between crowd favourite Randle, and former NBL MVP Kevin Lisch, who led the Hawks scoring with 24 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists. Despite knocking five early first quarter points, that gave Illawarra a short lead, it was Randle who would turn the tide.
Despite missing five consecutive shots early, Adelaide proved to be the better shooters, hitting 62.5% to the Hawks 33.3% at the first break, and ending with a season high field goal percentage, shooting at 55.5%.
Early in the second, an innocuous knock on Kevin Lisch saw Nathan Sobey receive his fourth personal foul mid way through the second quarter, while also sending the Sixers into foul trouble. From here Illawarra took advantage as Adelaide were unable to take defensive risks, going on an 11-7 run.
It was Ebi Ere who stepped up with the first of his two quarter blitzes hitting 12 points. The guard looked to be the shining light as his buzzer beater three had the scores level at the major interval.
But the major talking point was Ogilvy’s ill timed bump on Jermone Randle in the third quarter which led to the import being carried off. On his way to the basket, Ogilvy slightly adjusted his stance, colliding with Jerome’s knee. The sell-out crowd supported Randle on his way off the court with a strong round of applause.
30/01/2015 NBL Adelaide 36ers vs the Illawarra Hawks at Titanium Security Arena (Photo by AllStar Photos)
Adelaide looked slightly shaky as the lead fluctuated between both teams for the remainder of the quarter, with Illawarra having a slender one point lead at the final break.
In the last quarter however, you wouldn’t have been able to tell that Adelaide were without the league’s top scorer as they put on a thrilling 30-15 point last quarter, extending the lead out to as many as 20, in a 22-2 run.
“I think our guys just lifted”, said Sixers Coach Joey Wright.
“Defensively we made some adjustments, we got after it. Rebounded well, got in the passing lanes, just did all the things we were supposed to do.”
Eight consecutive points by Ebi Ere gave Adelaide the lead, which included two monstrous threes followed by a Daniel Johnson long range bucket. Then, when Mitch Creek set-up Walker for the alley-oop, the lead was at 17 points.
30/01/2015 NBL Adelaide 36ers vs the Illawarra Hawks at Titanium Security Arena (Photo by AllStar Photos)
With 2:26 remaining in the match Oscar Forman joined Tim Coenraad on the bench as they both were ejected, ending all hope of an unlikely Illawarra comeback.
Adelaide now wait until Wednesday night, where they will host the New Zealand Breakers at the Titanium Security Arena.
Adelaide 36ers: 104 (Ere 28, Johnson 19, Creek 15)
Illawarra Hawks: 90 (Lisch 24, Coenraad 17, Martin 15)
CROWD: 7,493
Contact Details
General Enquiries admin@adelaide36ers.com
- Business Hours: Monday to Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm
- Phone: 08 8345 0900
- Tickets: 136 100 or www.ticketmaster.com.au
- Fax: 08 8345 0199
- Closed Public Holidays
Postal Address
Adelaide 36ers
44a Crittenden Road
Findon SA 5023
Postal Address: PO Box 29, Findon SA 5023
Download The Full 2015/16 Season Schedule
