36ers Triumph Over Bullets Amidst Multiple Ejections and Scuffle
Amid ongoing tensions in the NBL, the Adelaide 36ers achieved a decisive 107-74 victory over the Brisbane Bullets, securing their place in the Ignite Cup final. The match, held on the Gold Coast, highlighted both thrilling gameplay and a concerning series of ejections due to a violent scuffle.
36ers Triumph Over Bullets Amid Disruptions
The 36ers showcased their dominance by winning three of the four quarters. This victory propelled them to the Ignite Cup final, scheduled for February 22 against the New Zealand Breakers, featuring a prize pool of $400,000.
Instigating Incident and Ejections
The game turned chaotic in the final quarter when a confrontation between Adelaide’s Nick Rakocevic and Brisbane’s Hunter Maldonado escalated. The situation deteriorated as Bullets guard Terry Taylor intervened, applying a headlock on Rakocevic. This led to a full-blown scuffle involving multiple players.
- Rakocevic, Maldonado, and Taylor were all ejected for their roles in the altercation.
- In total, seven players were expelled from the game, including four who were on the Bullets’ bench.
- This incident raised concerns about player safety, highlighted by disappointed remarks from 36ers coach Mike Wells.
Coaches’ Reactions
Wells expressed his outrage after the game, emphasizing the dangerous nature of the actions from the Bullets. He stated, “That’s not basketball. This is a hard-playing league… but that crossed the line.” He also voiced his fear for Rakocevic’s well-being during the scuffle.
Conversely, interim coach Darryl McDonald of Brisbane defended his players, asserting no punches were thrown and suggesting Rakocevic initiated the confrontation.
Player Contributions and Stats
Despite the tumultuous atmosphere, key players stood out during the match. Jacob Holt from the Bullets achieved a career-high of 24 points. Meanwhile, the 36ers were led by:
- John Jenkins: 19 points
- Bryce Cotton: 22 points, along with seven assists and five rebounds
- Isaac Humphries and Flynn Cameron: both contributed 16 points
The Bullets have struggled recently, now suffering 16 losses in their last 17 games, further deepened by their previous losses of 32 and 38 points. In contrast, the 36ers’ performance sets a strong tone as they move forward in the league.
