Ninnis: 'I couldn’t be prouder of these guys'

Adelaide 36ers head coach Scott Ninnis was thrilled with how his side showed composure in the second half during Saturday night’s 96-89 win against Illawarra Hawks at WIN Entertainment Centre.

The 36ers scored the first nine points of the contest and had extended their lead to 32-19 during the second quarter before the Hawks came storming back into the contest.

Illawarra cut the Adelaide advantage to just three points at the main interval and after Tyler Harvey stuck back-to-back three pointers, the Hawks had the lead 45-44, but they would never get back in front.

Ironically, the Hawks only lead for 36 seconds of the contest, Trey Kell scoring two of his game-high 26 points almost straight away and the 36ers never surrendered their advantage.

“We knew they would make a run, but I thought our nerve was unflinching, we were able to sustain those comebacks and when they did come at us we were able to make that big play or come up with that big stop,” Ninnis said post-game.

“To get two wins on the road and to get a win tonight against a team that has been playing so well over the past few months, on their home court, I couldn’t be prouder of these guys.”

Ninnis said Kell’s form in recent weeks has been nothing short of outstanding.

“He’s come in and played the point guard for us and our fortunes have turned around since he’s got settled in that role,” Ninnis said.

“He is a huge part of the success we are having, winning four of the past five games.

“Now, there is a genuine belief going into games that we can win games.

“I was excited after the Phoenix win, but we did what we should do, like I did tonight, I thought if we came to play and executed our game plan, that we would win this game as well.”

Kyrin Galloway took another big step in his transition to starting power forward, scoring 13 points, grabbing six rebounds and blocking three shots in over 35 minutes on court.

“I couldn’t get him out due to Issac’s foul trouble, but he has that dunk, he has the ability to play above the rim and be a shot blocking presence and his ability to shoot,” Ninnis said.

“He has really stepped and shown that he has arrived, I couldn’t be happier for him.”

Ninnis was thrilled Humphries came back and made a huge impact in the final quarter, the 211cm big man scoring 10 of 18 points in the final 10 minutes.

“He got into foul trouble, we took a punt getting him back into the game a couple of times and he just makes the big plays and the big shots,” Ninnis said.

“A couple of those defensive stops he got for us when the game was there to be won or lost, he’s been outstanding.

“He has put us on his back several times over the past month or so, he’s a joy to coach.”

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After back-to-back wins on the road, Ninnis said his side has one sole focus, it’s a game-by-game mentality.

“All we can focus on now is Cairns at home next Saturday night at home and we owe them,” Ninnis said.

“Confidence is a huge thing, we have a belief now that can only come from winning.

“There is a genuine belief now whoever we play against, we can win.”

Adelaide will face Cairns Taipans at home next Saturday night at the Entertainment Centre from 5pm ACDT.