The Adelaide 36ers delivered a stellar performance, defeating Melbourne United 100-81 at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre. This victory marked not only back-to-back wins for the 36ers but also served as sweet revenge against their rivals who had handed them a previous drubbing.
The 36ers came out strong after experiencing what could only be described as turbulent form, losing three consecutive games by more than 20 points, including a heavy loss to the Perth Wildcats just last week. Yet, under the bright lights of their home court, the team showcased determination and skill, improving their season record to 9-11 and bouncing back emphatically.
Saturday's match drew in 9,588 fans—an electrifying crowd eager to support their team—and they were not disappointed. From the opening quarter, the atmosphere was charged as the 36ers seized control, thanks largely to the efforts of their star imports, Kendric Davis and Montrezl Harrell, both of whom scored 28 points.
The game unfolded with Melbourne United starting strong, scoring the first five points. Chris Goulding opened the scoring with long-range shots, but the 36ers quickly retaliated, thanks to Davis's explosive performance. He not only scored strongly but also facilitated play with 11 assists, demonstrating his all-around contribution and leadership on the court.
This early momentum continued as Adelaide ramped up their offense with a noteworthy 12-0 run, propelled by Davis's impressive scoring streak. By the end of the first quarter, the 36ers had established a lead of 27-17, setting the tone for what would be their largest victory margin of the season.
Adelaide capitalized on Melbourne's mistakes—United committed numerous turnovers, allowing the 36ers to score 22 points off these giveaways. United's struggles on the court were evident as they fell behind, managing just 36% shooting for the game and making only nine trips to the free-throw line.
Despite some fleeting moments where Melbourne attempted to claw back, the 36ers maintained their lead throughout the match. DJ Vasiljevic was another star, contributing 19 points and five rebounds, helping to extend Adelaide's lead to 55-42 by halftime.
After the break, the 36ers continued their assertive play style. They scored cohesively, and it was clear they had found their rhythm. Every time it seemed United might create some resurgence, the 36ers responded decisively. Late within the third quarter, Keanu Rasmussen added to the scoreline, sending the team confidently to the final quarter with a 77-62 lead.
Melbourne could not recover as the 36ers kept their foot on the gas. Coach Mike Wells praised his team's evolution, saying: "This team is continuing to evolve, and this team's growing. What you're seeing is a group that's had to go through a lot of adversity for many different reasons and we've come out the other side of it now." This victory not only served as catharsis for coach and players alike but also solidified their aim for finals contention.
For Melbourne, this loss compounded their woes, now having dropped five of their last six games, as they fell to 13-9 overall. Coach Dean Vickerman lamented his team's performance, remarking, "We didn't value the ball the way we wanted to and we got seriously punished for it any time we turned the ball over." This acknowledgment highlights the areas needing refinement if they hope to remain competitive during their upcoming stretch of challenging away games.
One notable element throughout the game was the fierce rivalry, which was felt both on and off the court. Adelaide fans were fervent, expressing their displeasure every time Melbourne's Shea Ili touched the ball, particularly after he had previously engaged in confrontations during their last meeting. If nothing else, this rematch had all the expected fireworks, including tensions as Harrell committed hard fouls on Ili, adding layers to the competitive dynamic.
With this latest win, the Adelaide 36ers have shown they are resurging from adversity and might be primed for contention as the NBL season progresses. The team will have the chance to build on this momentum when they hit the road to face the Tasmania JackJumpers next week. For now, the 36ers can relish their impressive form, their bench strength, and the support of their fans, proving yet again how home court advantage can make all the difference.
Meanwhile, the attention will turn to how Melbourne will regroup against the Sydney Kings on their next outing, as they grapple with maintaining form in the upcoming weeks. Will they find their winning formula again, or will the struggles continue?