Starling remains positive ahead of Bullets clash

Adelaide 36ers power forward Alex Starling says his side still has belief in making the NBL Play-In tournament despite a 109-86 loss to Tasmania JackJumpers on Sunday afternoon.

Starling, who turned 35 on Tuesday, had his NBL career-high 10 points during the loss against Tasmania and said he expects the 36ers to rebound quickly.

“It’s not the result we wanted, pretty much we had control of our destiny before this game,” Starling said.

“There are still two games remaining and anything can happen.

“We want to try and make a push for finals, but now it’s onto the next.”

Adelaide played in Hobart less than 48 hours after the 36ers defeated Sydney Kings 85-78 at the Entertainment Centre, but Starling said the quick turnaround did not affect the result.

READ MORE

• PRESS CALL: Ninnis lauds Kell's toughness
• Anniversary jersey returns for Kings clash
• 36ers launch Shooting Hoops Foundation
• DJ re-signs for three more years

“It’s not tough at all, I’m sure every team in the league has done it, playing back-to-backs, it’s part of the job, so there are no excuses,” Starling said.

“It’s been challenging (the NBL24 season) in a sense of the outside noise being distracting in the beginning.

“Across time you get use to things, about being professional and getting to travel to new states in Australia.”

After playing at the NBL1 level for almost a decade, Starling said the ability and opportunity to take the next step was fulfilling.

“Being able to play against players I’ve played with and against in NBL1 across the journey in the NBL has been fantastic,” Starling said.

“To compete at the highest level in Australia, has been fantastic.”

Adelaide will travel to Brisbane on Thursday for Friday night’s must-win clash against the Bullets at Nissan Arena from 7pm ACDT, you can watch all the action live and exclusive on ESPN via Kayo Sports.