In a dazzling display of long-range marksmanship, Dejan Vasiljevic torched the nets for a career-high 10 three-pointers to propel the Adelaide 36ers to a resounding 99-75 triumph over the Cairns Taipans on Sunday. The 36ers’ captain was unconscious from beyond the arc, draining 7 triples in the opening quarter alone to set the tone for the wire-to-wire rout.
Vasiljevic’s First Quarter Explosion
Vasiljevic wasted no time asserting his dominance, pouring in 21 of his game-high 32 points in a blistering first quarter barrage. The sharpshooting guard knocked down his first seven three-point attempts, staking the 36ers to a commanding 38-12 lead after one period. Vasiljevic’s scorching start had him on pace to challenge Ian Davies’ all-time single game record of 13 threes set back in 1985.
Davis and Harrell Provide Ample Support
While Vasiljevic deservedly garnered the headlines, he was far from a one-man show. NBL MVP candidate Kendric Davis continued his stellar campaign with 27 points and 9 assists, repeatedly slicing through the Taipans’ defense. Imposing import Montrezl Harrell dominated the paint, registering 17 points and hauling in 13 rebounds. Harrell punctuated the 36ers’ onslaught with a thunderous coast-to-coast dunk late in the fourth quarter.
DJ was in the zone today. When he’s feeling it like that, you just keep feeding him and get out of the way. He put on an absolute clinic out there.
Kendric Davis on Vasiljevic’s historic performance
Taipans Struggle to Find Rhythm
The Taipans, mired in the NBL cellar, once again failed to generate consistent offense outside of impressive rookie big man Tanner Groves. The high-energy forward tallied 23 points and grabbed 9 rebounds in a losing effort, but received little help from his supporting cast. Cairns has now dropped four straight contests and appears destined for a spot in the draft lottery.
Sixers Keep Postseason Hopes Alive
The vital victory keeps Adelaide in the thick of the NBL playoff race. At 11-13, the Sixers sit just a half game back of the sixth-place Tasmania JackJumpers for the final postseason berth. With Vasiljevic catching fire and the Davis-Harrell duo clicking on all cylinders, the 36ers are hitting their stride at the perfect time. Sunday’s offensive clinic marked the second time this season that Vasiljevic has drilled 10 threes in a single outing.
- Next Up: The 36ers aim to maintain their momentum as they hit the road to battle the surging New Zealand Breakers on Friday.
- Taipans’ Woes Continue: Cairns will attempt to regroup quickly before hosting the Perth Wildcats in a midweek matchup on Wednesday.
