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There were some nervous moments for the Adelaide 36ers down the stretch, but they pulled out a much-needed 10-point win against the Townsville Crocodiles.
Jerome Randle top scored with 19 points but Nathan Sobey provided the spark off the bench for the Sixers, with eight points and some highlight-reel plays.
Jordair Jett’s 15 points was the most for the Crocodiles.
Final score
Adelaide 36ers 76
Townsville Crocodiles 66
For the second time this week, the Adelaide 36ers will go up against the Townsville Crocodiles, as the Sixers attempt to avenge their shock loss on Thursday night, at the Titanium Security Arena in Adelaide. Join The Roar from 7:25pm AEDT for live scores and updates.
Thursday night’s meeting between the two squads may have been the craziest finish seen in the NBL this season.
With the 36ers in possession and leading by one point, 100-99, Adam Gibson threw an errant inbound pass which was stolen by Clint Steindl, who would pass it ahead to Nick Kay who threw down the game-winning dunk with 2 seconds left.
The Crocs crowd went absolutely bananas, while the 36ers were left to ponder how they let this one slip away.
For Townsville, Thursday night provided some much-needed excitement and entertainment in what has been ultimately a disappointing season.
The Crocs currently sit seventh on the NBL ladder with a 6-11 record. However, the Crocs have won two of their past three and have shown tremendous heart this season, despite their record, making them a tough team to face every time they step on the court. After Thursday night, Adelaide obviously know this first-hand.
It has been an up and down season for the 36ers, as the team currently has a 7-9 record, sitting 5th on the ladder, making Saturday night’s affair a must-win in order for them to keep in touch with the top 4.
The Sixers have stumbled lately, losing their last three games and if they wish to climb back into the top 4, it is games like this they must win. Back at home, Adelaide must find a way to pull out this win to regain some much-needed confidence around the club and more importantly, get back on the winners list.
After the shock sacking of former MVP Brian Conklin, the Crocs have brought in former St Mary’s product Omar Samhan to help fill the void left by the big man’s unexpected departure.
Samhan played 16 minutes off the bench in his Townsville debut on Thursday night, finishing with 10 points, six rebounds and two assists.
Saturday night’s match-up will feature a huge battle down low between Daniel Johnson and Nick Kay, as two of the premier Australian big men go head to head.
On Thursday night, the two almost matched each other’s production, as Kay finished with 19 points, seven rebounds, two steals and shot 9-from-14 from the field. For the 36ers, Johnson ended the night with 21 points, nine rebounds, two blocks and shot 6-from-11 from the field.
Which other big men can establish themselves early in the ballgame will go a long way in deciding Saturday Night’s game.
Prediction
Adelaide understands the importance of this game and after Thursday night’s horrendous finish, they will be out for blood against the Crocs. Townsville has proven they can win as underdogs this season but can they do it twice in one week? Probably not, but they’ll come close.
36ers by 6.
Will Adelaide avenge their loss to Townsville and get back in the winners circle? Join The Roar from 7:25pm AEDT to find out with live scores and updates and as always, leave your thoughts before, during and after the game in the comments section below.
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