NBL: King Jerome crowns Bullets

Jerome Randle and the Sydney Kings picked up win number 5 as they beat Brisbane 101-95 on Saturday night. The reigning NBL MVP lead all scorers in the game finishing with 27 points to go along with 7 assists and 3 rebounds.

The game couldn't have started worse for the Kings as Brisbane opened up with a 14-0 run. Randle struggled in the quarter as he had more turnovers (2) than field goals (1). The Kings however were able to cut the deficit at the break to 6 trailing 26-20.

Jerome had a better second quarter connecting on 3 field goals including his first three pointer of the night as the Kings clawed their way back into the game. Randle really got things going in the third, hitting a few jumpers including a 4-point play. He also had a pair of assists in the quarter.

What was most impressive was how Randle willed his team to the win by taking over in the fourth quarter.

Randle was getting into the paint at will either finishing plays himself or creating opportunities for his teammates. At one point in the quarter Randle scored 6 straight points for his team. Two of those scores gave the Kings the lead as the teams went back and forth.

The Kings called a time out after a pair of Daniel Kickert free throws gave the Bullets a one point lead, 93 - 92 with under a minute left in the game. Out of the time out Randle got himself in the paint forcing the Brisbane defense to collapse on him as he kicked it to Jason Cadee in the corner for the wide open three and a 95 - 93 lead.

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Randle once again found himself in the paint after Brisbane missed on a Perrin Buford layup attempt this time finding Todd Blanchfield wide open at the top of the arch for another three pointer which pretty much iced the game for Sydney.

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Randle would finish the scoring with a pair of free throws as the Kings pulled off the road upset.

Kings coach Andrew Gaze was full of praise for Randle post game saying, "I am glad he is on our team...Jerome does things in a controlled and measured way...he's a genuine superstar".

Unfortunately for the Kings it is probably too little too late as far as making the finals but all basketball fans should rejoice as we get to watch performances like tonight on a regular basis from Jerome Randle, the new King of Sydney.