Bullets get the W over Phoenix

The Brisbane Bullets have tonight held on for a strong 108-98 victory over the South East Melbourne Phoenix at the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre.

After a slow start it was a Nathan Sobey and Harry Froling led Bullets side who fought back strongly to end the half leading 57-51, and ultimately get the 10-point win. Anthony Drmic was also a solid contributor throughout with a number of strong plays offensively, finishing the match as top points-scorer with 21 to his name.

New recruit Froling was solid throughout and thought the hit-out was a good confidence booster.

“I felt good,” he said.

“I’ve been feeling good the last few weeks and happy to get a run in. I think I’ve had a good couple of weeks of practice.

“I think I play better when there are better players around me. We’ve got our whole squad minus the imports and I think we’ve been looking good.

“I think it helps having a couple of older guys and we’ve also played a fair bit together as well. It’s just good to have a mix of youth and experience. It definitely helps with our cohesion.

Whilst the victory doesn’t gain you competition points, Froling knows it will lift the group.

“I think it was a good benchmark for us. We had a full squad out there, set the standard and we’re definitely making steps in the right direction,” he added.

And on that big three-pointer with just a few minutes left on the clock…

“I used to get a few and throw the arms up (back in Adelaide) to get the crowd into it so I might bring a few those to Brisbane and get the crowd going.”  

Score at the end of each quarter:

Q1 – Bullets 30 – Phoenix 25

HT – Bullets 57 – Phoenix 51

Q3 – Bullets 85 – Phoenix 81

FT – Bullets 108 – Phoenix 98  

Top point scorers:

21 – Anthony Drmic

20 – Nathan Sobey

20 - Harry Froling

17 – Jason Cadee

15 – Matthew Hodgson

The Bullets and Phoenix return to the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre on Sunday, with tip-off at 12noon. Get your tickets here.