NBL 2014/15 Round 16: Balanced Sixers do the double on Wollongong
For the second time in less than a week, the Adelaide 36ers have defeated the Wollongong Hawks, basically keeping their playoff hopes in the balance.
Despite the final score showing a four point victory for the visitors, the 89-85 scoreline certainly flattered the hosts, who never looked to defy the odds for the majority of the game.
Brock Motum once again paced the Sixers with 18 points and 16 rebounds, who had recorded his double double before half time.
He led five Adelaide players in double figures, as their balanced attack were somewhat controlled throughout the evening as their 89 total points considered a quiet night for the league's leading scorers.
As the lead stretched out throughout every quarter, Wollongong were able to make a run towards the back end of each quarter to keep the margin respectable.
Tim Coenraad (20 points) was huge for the Hawks in the opening half with 17 points as the home side were within a comfortable five points.
Adelaide upped the tempo in the third where Luke Schenscher (10 points, 5-5FG, 4 rebounds) continued his impressive night, while Mitch Creek's back to back trips to the free throw line to end the quarter extended his scoring prowess as he finished with 16 points, six rebounds and three steals.
With Coenraad fouling out with five minutes left to play in the game, his scoring output then had to be covered by his teammates. Coach Gordie McLeod then looked towards his bench to step up and he found both Jahii Carson and Brad Hill.
Carson attacked the paint which troubled a shoddy Adelaide defence, chalking up seven free throws en route to 13 points. Hill, who's pinch hit for the Hawks throughout the tiring season, scored 12 points and grabbed five rebounds.
200th gamer Larry Davidson then gave the home side some hope of causing the improbable upset down the stretch, grabbing 14 rebounds which included six offensive rebounds. His two swats also didn't go unnoticed.
However, the Sixers relied on calm free throws at the death once again as both Jamar Wilson (17 points, 6 rebounds) and Adam Gibson (10 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists) put the game out of reach.
In Daniel Johnson's Adelaide return he finished the game with four points and two assists in 15 minutes off the bench.
Wollongong Hawks 85 (Coenraad 20, Forman 13, Carson 13)
Adelaide 36ers 89 (Motum 18, Wilson 17, Creek 16)
@ WIN Entertainment Centre