The Adelaide Entertainment Centre was the scene of an electrifying NBL clash on Sunday, as the Adelaide 36ers hosted the Illawarra Hawks in a battle of title contenders. The 36ers, buoyed by their passionate home crowd, overcame a sluggish start to secure a 93-79 victory, solidifying their position in the playoff race.
Slow Start, Strong Finish
The Hawks came out firing, jumping to a 10-0 lead in the opening minutes. The 36ers, however, refused to be rattled. Led by the dynamic trio of Dejan Vasiljevic, Kendric Davis, and Montrezl Harrell, Adelaide clawed their way back, taking the lead by the end of the first quarter.
Vasiljevic, who finished with an impressive 23 points and 6 rebounds, reflected on the team’s resilience:
“We knew they would come out hard, but we trusted in each other and our game plan. Once we settled in, things started clicking.”
– Dejan Vasiljevic
Davis and Harrell Shine
While Vasiljevic provided a steady hand, it was the play of Davis and Harrell that truly energized the 36ers. Davis, the crafty point guard, orchestrated the offense to perfection, recording 16 points, 10 assists, and 7 rebounds. His chemistry with Harrell was on full display, as the two connected for several highlight-reel plays.
Harrell, the 36ers’ marquee signing, proved why he is considered one of the NBL’s most dominant forces. The American big man poured in a game-high 25 points, punctuated by a series of thunderous dunks that sent the sold-out crowd into a frenzy.
Hawks’ Valiant Effort
Despite the loss, the Hawks showed flashes of brilliance. Trey Kell led the way with 18 points, while Sam Froling contributed 16. The Hawks managed to trim the deficit to just three points in the fourth quarter, but the 36ers’ experience and poise proved too much to overcome.
Hawks’ coach Brian Goorjian praised his team’s effort, but acknowledged the 36ers’ superiority on the day:
“We fought hard, but give credit to Adelaide. They have a special group, and they showed why they’re one of the teams to beat this season.”
– Brian Goorjian
Playoff Implications
The win saw the 36ers improve to a 6-4 record, drawing level with the Hawks on the NBL ladder. Both teams remain firmly in the playoff hunt, with the race for the top four spots heating up.
36ers head coach CJ Bruton expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance, but stressed the importance of maintaining focus:
“It’s a great win, but we can’t get complacent. Every game matters in this league, and we need to keep bringing our best every night.”
– CJ Bruton
Looking Ahead
The 36ers will look to build on this momentum as they head into a crucial stretch of the season. With Vasiljevic, Davis, and Harrell firing on all cylinders, and a passionate fan base behind them, the 36ers have all the ingredients for a deep playoff run.
As for the Hawks, they will aim to bounce back quickly. With a roster brimming with talent and a legendary coach at the helm, the Hawks remain a force to be reckoned with.
One thing is for certain: the NBL season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. With the 36ers and Hawks leading the charge, fans are in for a thrilling ride as the race to the finals heats up.
