Bruton: Repeat efforts big in Tassie triumph

Adelaide 36ers coach CJ Bruton was thrilled to see his side “repeat” their efforts for a second straight game in Monday night’s 93-82 win against Tasmania JackJumpers at the Entertainment Centre.

The home side fought back from a six-point deficit midway through the final quarter to run away with an 11-point success, sparked by a roaring 7010 fans surrounding Brett Maher Court.

Bruton said his side’s effort against last season’s grand finalists is the type of performance he is looking for night in, night out.

“I was very proud of them, I told them after the game, you need repeat success and I think we did that these past two games, but not patting yourself on the back too much, I’ll keep my grumpy hat on and let them know where we need to get better,” Bruton said.

“The teams we play over the next month are above us or challenging us and all want the same thing, to get to the promised land and have a shot at it.

“Today was a repeat success, you need repeated success, effort levels and energy.

“One hit wonders, we have seen that in music, so to continue to be able to match the energy of the other team and come out and compete and battle and take a few things away early.”

Adelaide started on the front foot against the JackJumpers, opening up an early 10-2 lead before Tasmania slowly came back into the contest in the second quarter to take a 44-41 lead into half time.

“Any time you can get out and run, it’s fun basketball, a lot can happen in the open floor,” Bruton said.

“I wasn’t that upset with the offensive rebounds, I was more upset we gave up certain looks to them that we said we weren’t going to give up.

“But we did give up too many second chance points and they got some open looks because we did over commit at times (in the second quarter).”

Bruton praised the spark Hyrum Harris and Nick Marshall gave the home side during a crucial third quarter, the pair sparking Adelaide to draw level at three-quarter time after Tasmania held a seven-point edge only moments before the final change.

“When you have guys that compete and bring energy, they were switching, they were hustling, to break that first line of the defense, these guys can do that and set the tone and have that heart and that drive at a level place.

“Like everyone, they want that trust from me and I need consistency from them and it’s not that little five minute patch.

“Do it with pride and give it everything like it’s the last match you’re ever going to play and everyone is happy for everyone else’s success, which is what we all want.”

Adelaide will now prepare for their third straight home game, a Christmas Eve blockbuster against South East Melbourne Phoenix at 5pm on Saturday.

“Excited that it’s Christmas Eve and we get to play a game a game that we love, and for all of our fans to be at home during that time is also good,” Bruton said.