Third quarter focus crucial says Vasiljevic

Adelaide 36ers guard DJ Vasiljevic said his side’s focus on third quarters were a key factor in Friday night’s 85-78 win against Sydney Kings at the Entertainment Centre.

Trailing by four points going into the main break, Adelaide went on a 16-2 run to start the second half to lead the contest 53-43.

Vasiljevic said head coach Scott Ninnis has put a lot of importance on starting well after half-time and an added emphasis has gone into re focusing the group.

“Scotty talks about that fist two or three minutes of that third quarter are most important, and that sets the tone for the last 20 minutes,” Vasiljevic said.

“We have been going pretty good after half time, but now we have to continue to keep doing it.”

READ MORE

• Anniversary jersey returns for Kings clash
• 36ers launch Shooting Hoops Foundation
• DJ re-signs for three more years

Sydney came roaring back into the contest after Adelaide’s initial run, taking a five-point lead into the final quarter after scoring 16 of the last 17 points of the third term.

Vasiljevic hailed the defensive effort from Sunday Dech, who spent all of his night chasing around NBL22 MVP Jaylen Adams.

“At practice he is nuisance, he loves the challenge, he defends, he guards, he was on Jaylen Adams who went 6/21, so that’s a pretty good job to me,” Vasiljevic said.

“Everyone played their part, but big credit to Sunday.”

Vasiljevic explained his ‘goggles’ gesture during the match winning 12-0 run in the final quarter where he found Dech underneath the basket for two points.

“Sunday back cuts at every practice, so I knew he was going to be there,” Vasiljevic said.

“I think people underestimate my playmaking ability, so I like to the crowd, so I try to get them involved.”

Coming off a week where he re-signed with the club for three more years, Vasiljevic is firmly focused on Sunday’s challenge at MyState Bank Arena against Tasmania JackJumpers.

“If we can go get a win on Sunday and come home to Adelaide, then it’s a great week,” Vasiljevic said.

Adelaide will battle Tasmania JackJumpers from 1.30pm ACDT on Sunday afternoon and you can watch off the action live and exclusive on ESPN via Kayo Sports and 10 Peach.