Bullets run over Taipans in overtime victory

A sensational second half surge from the Brisbane Bullets catapulted them to a105-103 overtime win against the Cairns Taipans in the battle of the Sunshine State. 

Coming off a win earlier this week, the Bullets welcomed a huge crowd into Nissan Arena, but the visiting side got ahead early. 

The Taipans pulled away in the second quarter, letting it fly from beyond the arc and knocking down some tough shots to take a 15 point lead into the half. 

At half time Bullets Coach Andrej Lemanis emphasised the importance of riding their way back into the game and that they did. The team came out of half time with a renewed energy, showing a huge amount of determination, locking down on defence and getting multiple stops. 

The Bullets also looked confident on the offensive end and Jason Cadee got them rolling, knocking down two big shots from long range off the back of some great ball movement. Vic Law continued his effectiveness on both ends of the floor as they brought the deficit back to single figures. 

Brisbane continued to be effective attacking the paint, creating opportunities for themselves at the rim and finishing or getting to the free throw line. The home side got back to within 5 points but the Taipans crept the score back out to 11 at three quarter time. 

Nathan Sobey found another gear early in the final quarter knocking down three’s in successive play’s. Alongside Orlando Johnson, the pair got up and defending the Cairns guards.

It was the team’s defensive efforts that kept the momentum moving forward. On the back of a 10-2 run late in the fourth, Brisbane took the lead off a Matt Hodgson dunk, much to the crowd’s delight. 

The Bullets played some fantastic team defence closing out the quarter, playing with urgency and getting important tips and rebounds, but a late Cairns triple from Jarrod Kenny sent the game into overtime. 

Big shot after big shot were made by both teams in the overtime period. Sobey and Cadee hit massive triples, then Machado shot back to tie all scores with six seconds remaining. 

But it was Vic Law took the responsibility of winning the game in the final seconds and he certainly delivered. He let the clock wind down before a silky drive to the basket, finishing  at the rim at the sound of an erupting Brisbane crowd. 

Nathan Sobey had an outstanding game with 30 points (20 of those after three quarter time), four rebounds and five assists.

Vic Law continued his impressive start to the season, on both ends of the floor with 29 points and 11 rebounds including the game winning basket. 

The Bullets will look to make it three-in-a-row as they take on Melbourne United at home on Thursday 4 February.

Brisbane Bullets: 105 (Sobey 30, Law 29, Cadee 11)

Cairns Taipans: 103 (Machado 23, Oliver 21, Deng 15)