The Adelaide 36ers have shaken up the race for the NBL playoffs with a tough fought 99-96 win over the Cairns Taipans to snap a five-game dropping streak.
Antonious Cleveland got here alive within the fourth quarter with 11 factors because the 36ers held on in a frantic end on the Cairns Convention Centre on Monday night time to blow the race for second on the ladder and an computerized semi-final berth extensive open, in addition to retaining their playoff aspirations alive.
Cleveland missed two free throws to seal the sport giving Cairns one final shot to tie it down with a 3, however the reigning defensive participant of the 12 months redeemed himself and stripped Tahjere McCall and the sport clock expired.
Cairns (17-10) entered the competition one recreation up on New Zealand (16-10) within the standings, however with an inferior factors proportion, and now should win their remaining recreation in opposition to the Perth Wildcats for an opportunity at a second general end.
The lowest Cairns can end is third with the Breakers ending their season with two video games on the highway in opposition to Illawarra and Brisbane. Two wins will guarantee a semi-final berth.
“We sort of went all in on tonight with that (top-two) mindset,” Taipans coach Adam Forde mentioned.
“You would assume – no disrespect to other teams – but you would assume Breakers take care of business. So losing that top two spot now is a quick turnaround.”
Adelaide (eighth) are 12-14 and path Melbourne United (14-13) and the South East Melbourne Phoenix (15-13) within the remaining play-in spot.
They face the Sydney Kings at residence then Melbourne United away to complete the season and are nonetheless a mathematical probability to qualify for the ultimate post-season spot.
They had Cleveland’s late heroics to thank in a see-sawing contest because the American guard completed with 27 factors, seven rebounds and 4-of-6 capturing from behind the arc.
Robert Franks additionally had an environment friendly night time with 20 factors on simply 9 pictures to go along with 9 rebounds and 5 assists.
Adelaide’s stars thwarted a career-high night time from Sam Waardenburg (26 factors) and 26 from DJ Hogg as Cairns fell simply brief of their third recreation in six days.
“I liked the way the boys stuck with it and fought,” 36ers coach C.J. Bruton mentioned.
“The resilience to keep fighting from where we’ve been at to know that we’ve got a very slim chance.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
