OVER the last few days, the National Basketball League (NBL) held its preseason ‘Blitz’ competition, with sides able to get some run into their players heading into the season opener next month. The competition is being played across three states, with Tasmania, New South Wales and Victoria all hosting some action over the coming weeks. This weekend kicked off the first batch of the 22-game fixture, with plenty of close contests keeping fans around the country entertained for the week thus far, with one side claiming their first win in club history.

Perth Wildcats (56) def by. Adelaide 36ers (63)

The 36ers continued their strong preseason form with an impressive seven-point victory over last year’s grand finalists. The 36ers looked to break away with the match in the first half, slowly building an eight-point lead thanks to their commanding rebounding performance and more accurate shooting from the field (the 36ers made 35 percent of their shots while the Willdcats made 31 per cent of theirs).

The Wildcats were able to reduce the margin thanks to a strong third term, where they were finally able to find some form of offensive rhythm. An and-one play to Wildcat Victor Law on the eve of three quarter time saw the deficit reduced to just three points heading into the final term. However, the 36ers rallied behind new recruit Mitch McCarron and were able to find a way to secure the win in the final term, despite both sides struggling to find any flow with ball in hand.

For the victors, they were given an all-around scoring spread to assist in their win, with six players scoring seven points or more. NBL Next Star Mojave King and Dusty Hannahs combined for 22 points as they both provided a reliable avenue to score for their side in the victory. Given the match was a low-scoring affair, the efforts of these two to pair for over a third of the team’s score are certainly eye-catching. Big-name signing McCarron also had his moments in an all-around performance, finishing with seven points, six rebounds, four assists and three steals.

For the Wildcats, the efforts of Law and Jesse Wagstaff (11 points each) kept their side in the game, with their ability to find a basket proving invaluable in the third term when they were looking to reduce the margin.

Cairns Taipans (66) def by. Tasmania JackJumpers (81)

In just their second outing, the JackJumpers have been able to claim their first victory against an NBL side, taking down the Taipans to the tune of 15 points on Tuesday night. Tasmania started the match in fantastic form with 22 first quarter points setting the tone for the rest of the match. They never allowed their opponents to get a sniff of stealing the lead, as they stormed home with a 22-15 final quarter to please the crowd packed into MyBank State Arena.

The two sides shot identical percentages from the floor, with both teams sinking 38 per cent of their shots. While they could not be separated in this category, it was Tasmania’s ability to knock down shots from long range and make their way to the charity stripe that gave them scoreboard ascendancy. The JackJumpers made three more shots from behind the three-point line and poured in eight more free throws than their opponents to give themselves what proved to be a winning margin.

For the JackJumpers, there were plenty of contributors with five players scoring 12 points or more in what was a remarkable team performance. For such a young side to find so many scoring options already, its likely opposition teams will be taking notice. The side will be impressed with the all-around performance of skipper Josh Magette, who poured in 13 points, six rebounds and four assists in a true captain’s match.

Despite the loss, the Taipans will be encouraged by the performance of Stephen Zimmerman, who was a powerful presence in his 25 minutes on the court. The big man finished with 16 points and 11 rebounds, both of which ended up being game-highs. Cairns will be impressed with his efforts and will be hoping the former NBA talent can bring these numbers to the regular season.

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