First half frenzy sparks 36ers past Kings

Adelaide 36ers have won their third consecutive game with a thrilling 89-79 win against Sydney Kings at the Entertainment Centre on Friday night.

In front of another sold out home crowd of 9466 people, DJ Vasiljevic starred in the first half and Montrezl Harrell was clutch down the stretch as the 36ers now move to a 3-2 record.

Vasiljevic scored a game-high 26 points to go with eight rebounds and three assists, while Harrell scored 11 of his 18 points in the final quarter to partner 14 rebounds.

Kendric Davis was everywhere as well for 19 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Isaac Humphries was huge with 14 points, eight rebounds and four blocks.

The visitors started on a 8-0 run before Sunday Dech brought the home crowd to fever pitch. Vasiljevic swished a three, then got to the free throw line before a Humphries tip-in to reduced the Kings’ advantage to 11-10.

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Vasiljevic then attacked the rim, scoring back-to-back baskets as Adelaide took the lead for the first time in the match at 14-13.

Sydney connected on five three-pointers, but Vasiljevic scored 12 points in the opening quarter and when Harrell scored his first points from the line, Adelaide had a 26-22 lead at the first break.

Nick Marshall started the second quarter attacking the basket with purpose and Davis started to get into the contest.

Davis swished a three-pointer, then went coast-to-coast for a driving layup as Adelaide extended their lead to 35-27.

Humphries scored inside and became a focus in the paint, before Vasiljevic continued his scoring spree, swishing a three, then Davis went to the hoop and Adelaide led 47-31.

The Kings struck back late in the quarter, scoring consecutive baskets, but Harrell was tough under the hoop as the 36ers took a 49-37 lead into the main interval.

Davis stole the ball to score straight away to start the third quarter, but the Kings scored five straight points to reduce the 36ers lead to single figures.

Adelaide responded immediately, Davis swished a three-pointer, Humphries scored in transition on a spin move which brought the crowd to their feet and when Harrell added two more underneath, the lead was back to 62-49.

Sydney bounced back through Cam Oliver (16 points), his three-point play just before three quarter time reduced the 36ers’ lead to 68-62 with 10 minutes to play.

The Kings went on a 5-0 run to start the final quarter as Adelaide’s offense started to misfire, Sydney cutting the Adelaide lead to just one point before Marshall scored in the paint.

Harrell then made an impact at both ends of the floor, scoring after tough offensive rebounds and protecting the rim as the 36ers lead went back to 78-70.

A Davis three extended the lead to 81-72 before Harrell wowed the crowd with an emphatic dunk to secure a third win in-a-row.

Adelaide will be back in action on Sunday afternoon when the 36ers travel to John Cain Arena to battle Melbourne United, tip-off is at 4pm ACST and you can watch all the action live on 10BOLD and ESPN via Kayo Sports.

ADELAIDE 36ERS 89 (Vasiljevic 26, Davis 19, Harrell 18, Humphries 14) def SYDNEY KINGS 79 (Oliver 16, Leaupepe 10, Maluach 10)  at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.
Crowd: 9466
BOX SCORE