A TREMENDOUS performance from big man Tyrell Harrison has ensured the Brisbane Bullets are on the board for the 2024/25 National Basketball League (NBL) season, leading his team to a maiden victory for this year’s fixture.

Coming into Saturday night’s clash against the SEM Phoenix, both teams were winless after the first three rounds of play, bringing plenty of stakes to the matchup. The winning side would find themselves back in the hunt for a finals spot, while it was likely season over for the defeated team.

It was a close affair in a scrappy contest, but the Bullets held on for a two-point triumph on the road. Although it was not exactly convincing, the result was extremely vital for Brisbane, with the team now officially on the winners’ list and will be eager to build some momentum on the back of that win in the coming weeks.

Harrison was at his best in the win over the Phoenix, recapturing some of his preseason form and proving a successful number-one option.

SEM Phoenix (85) def. by Brisbane Bullets (87)

Tyrell Harrison – 21 points, 17 rebounds, two steals

After putting together a dominant preseason campaign in previous months, Harrison finally converted that into a match-winning performance throughout the regular fixture, proving unstoppable at times against the Phoenix.

The big man was Brisbane’s leading scorer, producing 21 points on 10/20 shooting from the field, flashing back to his form from late August and early September. He can be the first option for the Bullets on the offensive end, and proved that on Saturday as he torched South East Melbourne’s frontcourt on the scoring front.

Much of his scoring game against the Phoenix came from second chance scoring opportunities. Harrison crashed the offensive glass with an unmatched showing on this front, pulling down 12 offensive boards and not hesitating to fire off a shot immediately after getting control of the ball.

He finished the game with 17 rebounds, and was the premier force on the glass, particularly after a Brisbane miss. His ability to chase down the loose ball and use his strength to get best position under the basket was crucial in giving the Bullets the upper hand.

Harrison’s form in the preseason gave Bullets fans much to be excited about, and they were the form team of the competition when he was firing, but that did not translate to the home and away season. However, Saturday’s performance showed that if he can take over a match, it typically bodes well for Brisbane’s chances of securing a win.