Red-hot Bullets go back-to-back after OT thriller

The Brisbane Bullets have honoured the decorated history of the ball club with a scintillating over-time win over playoff contenders Adelaide on Thursday evening.

Brisbane shot the ball more than their opponents and ultimately reaped the rewards, as they hung on for a thrilling 106-101 victory.

Playing in front of yet another booming crowd at Nissan Arena, the Bullets had a point to prove back on their home floor. Suiting up in the historic red jersey for Heritage Round, Brisbane were representing the coveted legacy of the team; the custodians of the Bullets jersey who had come before them.

This game meant more, and with the regular season nearing its end, the valiant squad wanted to prove once again that they are a team on the rise.

Coming off a confidence-building win over South East Melbourne earlier this week, Brisbane had a chance to record back-to-back wins for the first time since early November.

Forward Andrew White III opened the scoring for the Bullets with a make from beyond the arc early in the match. It was a sign of things to come, as the home side raced out to an early lead.

Star guard Jason Cadee stole the show during the opening period, as he dropped nine points inside the opening five minutes; and led the way with 14 by the end of the quarter.

The home crowd were on their feet and cheering as the Bullets took a commanding seven-point lead into the quarter-time break.

Brisbane kept the good times rolling throughout the second quarter, and were leading 41-28 with five minutes to play before the half-time break.

Playing with plenty of confidence, and with the runs on the board to boast, the Bullets took a promising 44-36 advantage into the main break.

But the second-half was a different story. More specifically, the start of the third was a bit of a shock to the system as the 36ers regained some control.

An unpredictable passage of back-and-forth followed, as the two passionate teams traded the lead a number of times. Until Tyler Johnson had his say, that is. The American guard dropped a three-pointer with the Bullets’ final possession of the quarter, which saw them lead 73-70 heading into the fourth quarter.

Both teams were locked at 87-all with one minute left in regular time, and Johnson had seemingly won the contest with a jumper at the death shortly after. But two clutch free throws from Antonius Cleveland sent the match to over-time.

The Bullets didn’t look back in the extra period once they took control of the scoreboard; refusing to surrender their lead as they hung on for a brave win.

Speaking about the character of the team, Hostplus Head Coach Greg Vanderjagt said he was “really happy for the group” after their second straight win.

“I think it shows where we’re at in terms of there’s a lot of basketball to be played in the season. The group wants to compete and wants to play for each other, they want to play for the Bullets fans who keep turning out,” Vanderjagt said after the match.

“Our leaders tonight were outstanding, that’s where it starts. We’ve obviously been on a rollercoaster this year but I think our leadership tonight was really, really good.

“Jason in the first half, outstanding; Baynes, 16 and 11 in 31 minutes… Sobes, shots didn’t fall tonight but he gets a slam and a dunk to give the group life.

“We were able to resolve and build together and dig ourselves out of holes which is really pleasing in terms of the growth and what we’ve seen over the past little while.

“I thought we played really good basketball against United, aside from the first quarter; we obviously played well against South East, and we put together tonight which was pretty good.

“Really happy for the group to string a couple together but I think it’s the way we’ve done it on the back of our defence which has been the most pleasing.”

Tonight’s Hostplus Performance of the Game came from guard Tyler Johnson, who led the way with a team-high 27 points and six boards. Cadee contributed 22 points. DJ Mitchell also had 17 points and four rebounds, Aron Baynes 16 points and 11 boards, and Nathan Sobey nine points and six assists.

Johnson has played a crucial role in the Bullets’ recent resurgence, and has otherwise had an impressive individual season Down Under.

The American said he was “extremely proud” of how the team has continued to work hard for each other, following a tough campaign.

“But there’s still an intent in shootarounds, there’s still an intent and there’s still an accountability and that speaks a lot to our coaching staff… as far as keeping guys together and not allowing that sickness in the mind to come in and allow us to just do whatever we want.

“It’s very easy to do that, especially in a season like that.

“We have a responsibility to ourselves and to the game of basketball. There is a karma to the game, when you treat her with respect, good things usually start to happen.

“It’s good to have a full team, we’re missing Tanner (Krebs), but it’s good to have most of our team there… it’s nice to be able to grow on that.”

HUNGRY JACK’S NBL ROUND 16

BRISBANE BULLETS 106 (Johnson 27, Cadee 22, Mitchell 17)

ADELAIDE 36ERS 101 (Drmic 20, Cleveland 18, Franks 17)

BOX SCORE