Ninnis says United victory gives 36ers belief

The Adelaide 36ers showed what they are capable of under new head coach Scott Ninnis during Saturday night’s 100-96 victory over NBL24 league leaders Melbourne United.

Whether it was the motivation from a record home crowd of 9564 or the celebration of the 1998/99 championship team, the desire to make a statement against United brought the best out in the 36ers.

It was the big three of the 36ers that fired too with DJ Vasiljevic scoring 15 points in the opening quarter on his way to 30, while centre Isaac Humphries had 16 points and seven rebounds, and Trey Kell 24 points, 10 boards and five assists.

That trio lifted the Sixers to the win but the defensive efforts of Sunday Dech on Melbourne captain Chris Goulding, some crucial late minutes from 384-game veteran Jason Cadee and there were plenty more contributors.

Ninnis, in his second stint coaching the 36ers with the club Hall of Famer the only man involved in all four championships whether as player or coach, said he was delighted for his players to get reward for effort.

“It gives us a bit of belief now absolutely and this crowd, they just keep coming out and out,” Ninnis said.

“That's our third sellout in-a-row and especially when we haven’t been performing well, they continue to come out to support us and you can just feel the energy in the stadium, and the lift they gave us when good things happen.”

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When the 36ers won that championship in 1998/99, Ninnis was in his first season as assistant coach to Phil Smyth, so it brought back fond memories especially with the throwback uniforms.

“From my point of view, for us to be able to do that in front of those stars from the 25-year anniversary team too, it was super proud and if it was up to me I would wear those uniforms for the rest of the year,” Ninnis said.

"It's just great to do that and see that uniform again, it brings back so many great memories for myself obviously and I'm really happy we could perform how we did.”