Ninnis thrilled as Galloway takes opportunity

The spark power forward Kyrin Galloway gave the 36ers in Adelaide’s opening half blitz against South East Melbourne has put a big smile on the face of head coach Scott Ninnis.

Galloway scored 14 points in the opening quarter as the 36ers caught fire from the putside in an opening half avalanche which sparked Adelaide to a 110-85 win at the State Basketball Centre on Wednesday night.

Ninnis was especially excited for Galloway, who scored 23 points on 80 per cent shooting and added seven rebounds in his first start of the season.

“Since we have been building as a group and what KG has been giving us, you could see something like this was coming,” Ninnis said post-game.

“Missing Jacob Wiley tonight, I’ve always said there will be opportunity and be ready to step up and what he did tonight was incredible.

“The ability to have someone who can stretch the floor and you have to defend is a blessing for us.

“KG has put his hand up to play extended minutes for us now and that will continue against Illawarra and it’s hard to see that changing moving forward.”

Galloway said maintaining the big lead was a big focus, especially after surrendering a 16-point lead in the overtime loss to Cairns last round.

“That was a big emphasis after the Cairns game, we got out to a big lead and we let it slip,” Galloway said.

“That was the focus in our huddles, keep the pressure on them and don’t let up, especially defensively.”

Coming into the starting quintet for the injured Wiley, Galloway said confidence plays a huge part in his game.

“This has always kind of been my role since I’ve been in the NBL, aways staying ready and waiting for opportunity to produce,” Galloway said.

“My teammates have been really good at keeping my confidence up.”

Isaac Humphries again was huge for Adelaide, scoring a game-high 25 points to go with seven rebounds, and Galloway said he thrived due to the 211cm big man’s presence.

“He (Humphries) was a big part of our win today, it seemed like he had five guys on him at times,” Galloway said.

“That gave me wide open threes.”

Ninnis said his side has been making progress over the past month and winning on the road was the next step in the journey.

“That’s our first win in Australia (outside of Adelaide), as we have only beat New Zealand (in the road),” Ninnis said.

“It feels like we are building a s a group, the confidence is there, it was really important to get that win.”

READ MORE

• SCOUTING REPORT: Sixers ready to respond against SEM
• 36ers to wear 1998/99 jersey against Kings
• Ninnis remains positive despite OT defeat
• Club legends thrilled with '99 jersey

Ninnis said it was very important to maintain the first half dominance after giving up such a big lead against the Taipans.

“We started 15-0 against them, led by 16 points and allowed them to come back both times and we lost that game,

“But that is the evolution of this group, we spoke about those let ups, so that was especially pleasing.”

Adelaide travels to Wollongong on Friday for Saturday night’s huge clash against Illawarra Hawks at WIN Entertainment Centre, and Ninnis said his side will be confident.

“There is no one in the competition we fear,” Ninnis said.

“Our best is good enough to win games of basketball.”