NBL 2014/15 Round 17: Adelaide see off resilient Townsville
The Adelaide 36ers have continued their second half of the season push to the playoffs with an 84-77 victory over the Townsville Crocodiles at the Adelaide Arena on Sunday.
Jamar Wilson also continued his stellar season, pouring in a game high 25 points while sidekick Brock Motum had 18 himself.
It was Adam Gibson (14 points) though that started the contest on fire, posting up a quickfire seven points to allow the hosts jump out to a 12-2 start.
From there, the pairs (Wilson/Motum) scoring punch had the home side the aggressors throughout the contest, however were threatened late in the match as the tried and tested Townsville team never seemed to let up.
Adelaide managed to stretch the lead out to as many as 16 mid-way through the third quarter, however that quickly vanished after a sporadic 10-0 run from the visitors had the game at 63-57 right before the end of the third quarter.
The combination of Steven Markovic (10 points), Mickell Gladness (13 points, 7 rebounds), Clint Steindl (14 points) and Brian Conklin (12 points) without anyone really standing out, had the Crocs believing they were a real chance at snatching one.
Townsville's chances were snatched away in the final minutes, with the team down five with a minute and change remaining, an out of bounds call that was originally awarded to the Crocodiles was reversed to an Adelaide ball which all but killed their chances at a historic comeback.
Adelaide coach Joey Wright preached his team's mentality and consistency on playing to their advantages after the game:
"It was about getting back to our game plan, and when we played to our game plan we were a better team" - Joey Wright
As Jacob Holmes was applauded playing his 400th NBL game, he was alongside (and matched up against at times) Anthony Petrie who played in his 200th game.
While the two may not have had major impacts on the game, they will certainly remember the occasion.
Adelaide 36ers 84 (Wilson 25, Motum 18, Gibson 14)
Townsville Crocodiles 77 (Steindl 14, Gladness 13, Conklin 12)
@ Adelaide Arena