The Melbourne Tigers have cruised to a 119-91 NBL win over the Adelaide 36ers at the State Netball and Hockey Centre tonight. The Tigers jumped to an early 16 point lead and were never challenged.
The Tigers were stunned at home last Wednesday by the Perth Wildcats and that loss saw them jump out of the blocks early to ensure there wouldn’t be another upset on their home floor.
David Barlow led the Tigers with 29 points, including 16 in the third quarter.
Ebi Ere added 18 and Rod Grizzard 17 for the Tigers.
Melbourne had seven players score in double figures as they shared the ball around.
Former Chicago Bulls centre Luke Schenscher came off the bench to lead Adelaide with 25 points while Adam Ballinger added 19.
The Tigers held Adelaide to just 37% shooting from the field while converting on 57% of their own shots, and out rebounded the 36ers 60-43.
The 36ers were ice cold from the perimeter, hitting on only 4 of 24 three point attempts.
The Tigers did not allow the visiting 36ers to settle early, and a 20-4 run sparked by Ere saw them move to an early 26-10 lead.
The Tigers defence held Adelaide to just 24% shooting from the field in the opening term.
Melbourne were able to extend the lead to 23 points midway through the second quarter before Adelaide staged a mini rally to narrow the gap to 54-39 at half time.
Adelaide could not bridge the gap in the third period and when Melbourne scored the opening 11 points of the final quarter the only question left was the final margin.
Melbourne improves to a 4-2 win-loss record while the 36ers drop to 2-3.
Melbourne coach Al Westover was proud of how his team responded after the shock loss to Perth.
“It was a danger game. Adelaide has players that can get hot,” Westover said.
“We got the break early and could sustain it.
“A few times we have had leads and let it slip, but tonight we were able to keep it going.
“Guys on the bench came in and did a good job.
“We got the win and we can enjoy the night and start gearing up for the Dragons next week.”
Adelaide coach Scott Ninnis wasn’t pleased with his team’s effort and approach.
“It’s disappointing,” Ninnis said.
“We spoke about how we wanted to approach the game. Unfortunately we didn’t put that into place and we went away from the game plan.
“We have to learn to play with consistent physicality and toughness.
“It was disappointing to come out and be as soft as we were tonight.”
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