Bullets too strong in pre-season clash

Adelaide 36ers have suffered their first loss of the NBL24 pre-season, going down 103-78 to Brisbane Bullets at a sold out The Lights Community Centre on Saturday afternoon.

The Bullets used a 34-15 second quarter avalanche to good effect as the visitors took home a 25-point success.

Adelaide rested centre Isaac Humphries and power forward Alex Starling, while the Bullets were missing sweet shooting import Chris Smith.

Next Star sensation Trentyn Flowers was put under pressure early in the backcourt by Bullets point guard Shannon Scott, but the 204cm recruit responded straight away with a nice finish at the basket against former NBA big man Aron Baynes.

Jacob Wiley made his return to the floor as a 36er off the bench with instant impact, scoring over Baynes.

Brisbane used their superior height advantage inside through Baynes, Tyrell Harrison and Rocco Zikarski, but the 36ers started to get their transition game going.

Trey Kell was on target early, scoring eight points in the first 10 minutes as the 36ers took control late in the first quarter to lead 27-25.

Sam McDaniel continued his strong start as the Bullets found their groove, going out to a game-high seven-point lead at 41-34, forcing CJ Bruton into a time out.

The Bullets continued their strong quarter, going on another 9-2 run, but Sobey picked up his fourth foul just before the main break as Brisbane took a 59-42 lead into half time.

Kell continued his great afternoon as he tried to lift the home side in the third quarter, but the Bullets had all the answers, especially inside as the height difference continued to trouble the 36ers defense, doubling Adelaide’s score in the paint.

Mitch McCarron (12 points) was strong at both ends of the floor, along with Jason Cadee (nine points, two assists).

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Adelaide debuted injury replacement signing Jacob Rigoni and Kiwi big man Tohi Smith-Milner, who both added toughness at both ends of the floor.

Wiley scored a team-high 16 points for the hosts, while Kell added 14 points. White scored a game-high 19 points for the Bullets, while Sobey added 16 points and Harrison was huge inside for 14 points.

Adelaide will be back out on court when their NBL Blitz campaign starts against New Zealand Breakers on the Gold Coast next Sunday afternoon.

BRISBANE BULLETS 103 (White 19, Sobey 16, Harrison 14, McDaniel 14) def ADELAIDE 36ERS 78 (Wiley 16, Kell 14, McCarron 12) at The Lights Community Centre.

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