Vasiljevic stars as 36ers respond in Cairns

A scintillating opening quarter shooting display from captain DJ Vasiljevic has led Adelaide 36ers to a 99-75 win against Cairns Taipans at Cairns Convention Centre on Sunday.

Vasiljevic swished seven three-pointers in the opening 10 minutes as the 36ers used a 38-12 first quarter to propel Adelaide to the 24-point success.

The captain finished with a game-high 32 points, equaling his own NBL record of 10 three-pointers in a 40-minute game.

Kendric Davis was outstanding again for 27 points, nine assists and five rebounds, while Montrezl Harrell added 17 points to go with 15 rebounds.

Isaac Humphries paired 10 points with four rebounds, while Lat Mayen hauled in eight rebounds and Jason Cadee dished five assists.

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Davis attacked the basket early, Vasiljevic swished a three-pointer, and when Humphries scored twice inside Adelaide had an early 9-3 lead.

Vasiljevic caught fire, swishing back-to-back three-pointers, Davis added another triple then Harrell threw down a big dunk before another triple from the captain made it a 23-7 lead.

Adelaide connected on their first seven three-pointers, with Vasiljevic swishing seven of his first nine attempts for 21 first quarter points.

Harrell then threw down his slam dunk, Davis pulled up for another jump shot and the 36ers took a 38-12 lead into the first break.

The 36ers got to the free throw line to start the second quarter, then Humphries scored again inside for a 42-14 lead.

Davis then took over the scoring, he had six straight points before finding Harrell for another slam dunk and a 54-25 advantage.

Cairns responded with a 12-4 run at the end of the second quarter, but Adelaide took a 60-37 lead into the main interval.

Vasiljevic scored down the lane to open the third quarter, then Mayen found Humphries inside before Mayen scored his first point from the free throw line for a 66-37 lead.

Both sides traded baskets before the Taipans went on a 8-0 run to cut the Adelaide lead to 73-54.

The 36ers responded straight away with a 7-0 run which was ended with Vasiljevic’s eighth three-pointer of the contest and Adelaide took an 82-58 lead into the final 10 minutes.

Davis continued to score to open the final quarter, then Harrell threw down a massive slam dunk as the 36ers’ lead grew back out to 86-61.

A ninth, then a 10^th three-pointer from Vasiljevic ended the contest as the 36ers move to an 11-13 record.

Adelaide will be back in action on Friday night when the 36ers travel to Sydney to battle the Kings at Qudos Bank Arena from 7pm ACDT. 

ADELAIDE 36ERS 99 (Vasiljevic 32, Davis 27, Harrell 17, Humphries 10) def CAIRNS TAIPANS 75 (Groves 23, Gak 12, Armstrong 11, Edwards 11)  at Cairns Convention Centre.
BOX SCORE