The Adelaide 36ers have kick started their season with a captivating performance against the Cairns Taipans winning 88-79 at the Adelaide Arena.
Adelaide were led by new import, Jerome Randle who stamped himself as one of the most enthralling and energetic players in the competition following his scintillating debut.
Randle hit 24 points in only 23 minutes as he shot four from six three pointers and 53 percent from the field.
It wasn’t just his shooting that would have impressed Adelaide fans, with his ball handling ability and incredible foot speed sure to provide plenty of highlights throughout the season.
Randle also stepped up in the fourth to halt the fast finishing Taipans who had cut a 15 point lead with only nine minutes remaining.
Randle hit seven straight points before dishing a pair of assists to steal back momentum and leave Cairns chasing their tails down the stretch.
Adelaide 36ers coach, Joey Wright would also have been extremely happy with the performances of Adam Gibson (15 points) and Anthony Petrie (12 points) who both provided spark at either end of the floor.
Cairns looked no show of stealing the game mid-way through the third quarter until going on a 13-2 run to equal the scores at the end of the third.
Tragardh was the standout performer for the Taipans in his 300th game scoring 16 points and looking very dangerous whenever he got the ball in the paint.
Starks tried to rally the side with 15 points however it was too little too late for Cairns as he was unable to spark his side into action.
Cairns would have been hoping for more from Steven Weigh and Mark Worthington who shot a combined 8- 25 from the floor.
Adelaide will now have to bottle their new found offensive spark and take it across to Sydney for tomorrow night’s clash with the Kings.
Final score:
Adelaide 36ers 88
Cairns Taipans 79
The Adelaide 36ers are out to kick-start their playoff aspirations when they host a very strong Cairns Taipans at the Adelaide Arena. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:15pm (AEDT).
After a lacklustre start to the season, Adelaide have taken the drastic step of cutting injured import Kenyon McNeail just three games into their campaign.
McNeail has been unable to live up to expectations after injuring his shoulder dunking in the preseason NBL Blitz.
The 36ers have replaced McNeail with former University of California Bears superstar Jerome Randle. At just 175cm tall, Randle comes with a reputation for his ability to score and handle the ball, having performed strongly for the Milwaukee Bucks in Summer League this year.
Adelaide fans should be salivating at the chance to watch Randle following the side’s slow start to the season.
Last year’s minor premiers, Cairns have gone from strength to strength on the back of a deep roster and settled combinations.
Cairns have leant on a balanced roster featuring the likes of Cameron Gliddon, Mathew Burston and the veteran Mark Worthington, all of whom have led the team at times this season.
For Adelaide to get home tonight, coach Joey Wright will be hoping from more from Ebi Ere and another strong showing from Adam Gibson.
While Gibson has been a leading light for the 36ers this season, Ere has been disappointing and will need to regain some form if Adelaide are to build on their playoff hopes.
Meanwhile, Cairns have shown an ability to come over the top of their opposition late in games.
Prediction
While I expect an improved showing from Adelaide on their home court, Cairns have too many weapons across the board and should get home in a close one.
Cairns by six.
Will the injection of Randle provide Adelaide with a much-needed boost and inspire them to victory, or will the Taipans have too much class and experience for the sputtering 36ers?
Join The Roar from 7:15pm for score updates and debate in our live blog.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Just read the whole blog after missing the game - Thanks for that Richard. Didn't expect Adelaide to pick up that game. This is one very close competition.
Richard Payne
Roar Pro
The Adelaide 36ers have kick started their season with a captivating performance against the Cairns Taipans winning 88-79 at home. Adelaide was led by new import, Jerome Randall who stamped himself as one of the most enthralling and energetic players in the competition following his scintillating debut. Randle hit 24 points in only 23 minutes as he shot four from six three pointers and 53 percent from the field. It wasn’t just his shooting that would have impressed Adelaide fans, with his ball handling ability and incredible foot speed sure to provide plenty of highlights throughout the season. Randle also stepped up in the fourth to halt the fast finishing Taipans who had cut a 15 point lead with only nine minutes remaining. Randle hit seven straight points before dishing a pair of assists to steal back momentum and leave Cairns chasing their tails. Adelaide 36ers coach, Joey Wright would also have been extremely happy with the performances of Adam Gibson (15 points) and Anthony Petrie (12 points) who both provided spark at either end of the floor. Cairns looked no show of stealing the game mid-way through the third quarter until going on a 13-2 run to equal the scores at the end of the third. Tragardh was the standout performer for the Taipans in his 300th game scoring 16 points and looking very dangerous whenever he got the ball in the paint. Starks tried to rally the side with 15 points however it was too little too late for Cairns as he was unable to spark a late rally. Cairns would have been hoping for more from Weigh and Worthington who shot a combined 8- 25 from the floor. Adelaide will now have to bottle their new found offensive spark and take it across to Sydney for tomorrow night’s clash with the Kings.
Richard Payne
Roar Pro
FULL TIME Well, they didn't. Petrie launches a heil Mary to finish and it misses but he doesn't care as the 36ers romp home against the fancied Taipans. What a performance from the 36ers, they are a completely different side with Randle on the side. He adds a lot to this team and makes them a completely different proposition heading forward. What a pick up for the 36ers. Great game - full report to follow shortly.
Richard Payne
Roar Pro
Q4 0' What a performance from the 36ers, Cairns dribble the clock out and take a late jumper which misses. There's 1.2 seconds on the clock and Adelaide have called a timeout - there's a bit of a shock. Must have a big play to finish here? Adelaide:88 Cairns:79
Richard Payne
Roar Pro
Q4 1' Starks again with another long jumper - where was this earlier? Miss from Creek but huge rebound from Petrie before he misses the three. Starks misses and it's over here Adelaide:88 Cairns:79
Richard Payne
Roar Pro
q4 1' Nice play from Gibson, controls the ball for the shot clock before driving to the hoop and drawing the foul. Makes both. Adelaide:88 Cairns:77
Richard Payne
Roar Pro
Q4 2' What a bucket from Creek. Long, long three with one on the shot clock. Starks comes straight back and drives to the hoop, makes the basket and draws the foul. Makes the foul. They won't go away here Cairns. Adelaide:86 Cairns:77
Richard Payne
Roar Pro
Q4 2' Starks hits a big three, they need more though. Adelaide:83 Cairns:74
Richard Payne
Roar Pro
Q4 3' Foul called on Randle, that's his fourth. Starks misses on a big three - maybe should have driven on Randle there. Randle misses the three but the 36ers get the board. Great dish from Gibson to Petrie for the bucket. Adelaide:83 Cairns:72
Richard Payne
Roar Pro
TIMEOUT Big four minutes here. Randle has all the answers so far for Adelaide but he's going to need help to close this game. Can Gibson step up again or perhaps Petrie or Johnson down low. Gliddon starting to get going again while big Cam in his 300th has been there best. Here we gooooo.
Richard Payne
Roar Pro
Q4 4' Time starting to become a factor. Randle gets Gliddon in the air before throwing a mistimed pass straight out. Adelaide:81 Cairns:72
Richard Payne
Roar Pro
Q4 5' Great dish from Starks finds Weigh for three. Randle again shakes one then hits the long straight two. Big bucket. Adelaide:81 Cairns:72
Richard Payne
Roar Pro
Q4 5' Adelaide fans have got to be happy with Randle so far. Starks hits a huge three, they needed that. Shot clock turnover from the 36ers. Big play coming up. Adelaide:79 Cairns:70
Richard Payne
Roar Pro
Q4 6' Another miss from Worthington, he's 3-12 from the field. TIMEOUT ADELAIDE Adelaide:79 Cairns:67
Richard Payne
Roar Pro
Q4 6' Steal from Randle who leads the break before dishing to Johnson who is fouled while shooting. Makes one. Adelaide:79 Cairns:67
Richard Payne
Roar Pro
Q4 7' Nice out of timeout play sees Tragardgh hit the jumper. Mitch Creek gets an offensive board and goes straight back up for two at the other end. Adelaide:78 Cairns:67
Richard Payne
Roar Pro
Q4 8' I can't keep up. Cairns miss and Randle goes coast to coast. What a finish from the debutant, spins one off the glass. TIMEOUT CAIRNS Adelaide:76 Cairns:65
Richard Payne
Roar Pro
Q4 8' Horrible shot from Cairns before Randle drives to the hoop. Too quick for Craig who is forced to foul. Makes one Adelaide:74 Cairns:65
Richard Payne
Roar Pro
Q4 8' Randle on fire, great drive and kick to Ere for the three. Adelaide:73 Cairns:65
Richard Payne
Roar Pro
Q4 9' And he does. Another three from Randle, sweet as! Adelaide:70 Cairns:65