Ninnis remains positive despite OT defeat

Disappointed Adelaide 36ers head coach Scott Ninnis said his side is still upbeat despite 'going away from what was working' in Saturday night’s 111-101 overtime loss against the Taipans in Cairns.

Adelaide scored the opening 15 points of the contest and held a 16-point lead during the third quarter before the Taipans fought back for a 10-point victory.

“That’s as disappointing of a loss as you can get,” Ninnis said post-game.

“The way we started the game was outstanding and to really go away with it in the third quarter, which has been a bit of an Achilles heel at times this year, and get up by 16, but all credit to Cairns.

“They made the adjustments, they upped the ante defensively and we had all sorts of trouble scoring in that last quarter, and in overtime.”

After back-to-back wins in front of sold-out home crowds over the past six days, Ninnis said victory in Cairns would have been a great reward for a demanding week.

“We put ourselves in a position tonight where we could have had three wins in a week against three really good opposition,” Ninnis said.

“I don’t think you can fault our effort; we stopped moving the ball and we stopped doing what got us in that position in the first place.

“We seem to be moving in the right direction, but that one is going to hurt.”

Ninnis was impressed with the outstanding contribution from big man Isaac Humphries, who had a career-high 28 points to go with 11 rebounds.

“He (Humphries) is the best big guy in the competition, I don’t think that is just biased on my behalf, what he has been able to do for us this year has been outstanding,” Ninnis said.

“To me right now, he should be part of the next Australian team and in the All-Star Five of the NBL.

“He goes to work for us day in, day out and gives us such a focal point.”

Ninnis said Adelaide must rebound straight away as the 36ers are back on court Wednesday night in a must-win battle against South East Melbourne Phoenix at the State Basketball Centre.

“Right now, it’s about recovery and getting the bodies right,” Ninnis said.

“I’m positive, I remain upbeat about this group of guys and I’m not giving up on anything yet.”