New signings star in opening success

Adelaide 36ers have started the NBL24 pre-season in style with a 101-65 win against South East Melbourne Phoenix in Mount Gambier on Friday night.

The 36ers had seven players in double figure points as Adelaide exploded in the opening half, headlined by new import Jammal Franklin.

Franklin (14 points, six rebounds) swished four triples in the first 20 minutes as the 36ers opened up a 61-35 lead after NBL Next Star Trentyn Flowers (12 points, seven rebounds, two assists) threw down a highlight dunk on the half time buzzer.

South East Melbourne started strong, but the 36ers attacked the rim and got to the free throw line early in the contest.

Adelaide had all the answers in the second quarter, a 34-15 avalanche had the sold out crowd at Wulanda Recreation Centre on its feet.

The Phoenix rallied early in the third quarter, but import swingman Trey Kell (14 points, six rebounds, three assists) put the 36ers on his back, scoring 13 of Adelaide 16 points for the stanza.

Another NBL debutant, Alex Starling, showed glimpses of his athleticism for 13 points and eight rebounds.

Adelaide are back in action next Saturday afternoon when the 36ers tackle Brisbane Bullets at Lights Community Centre from 2pm.

ADELAIDE 36ERS 101 (Franklin 14, Kell 14, Starling 13, Humphries 12, Flowers 12, Cadee 11, Galloway 10) defeated SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE 65 (Creek 12, Gak 11, Vague 10) at Wulanda Recreation Centre.

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