Bullets set for Sunshine Coast buoyed by Blitz performances

Arnas Velicka led a new-look Brisbane side in an impressive display at the 2026 Code Sports NBL Blitz in Bendigo, with the Bullets securing a resounding victory over Tasmania JackJumpers before a narrow loss against Championship hopefuls South East Melbourne Phoenix at the Red Energy Arena.

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The Lithuanian floor general tallied 20 assists and 34 points across the two games - proving his status as one of the league’s premier facilitators - while showing great connection with one of the NBL’s marquee bigs, Tyrell Harrison, who threw down 41 points and collected 18 rebounds across the week.

Meanwhile two-way import wing Nate Hinton showed his potency on the offensive end, racking up 11 points against the JackJumpers, while new recruit Max Mackinnon showed the shooting potential for which he is already known, with the 23-year-old knocking down 7 threes across two fixtures.

Those performances led to a comfortable win over Tasmania with Bullets collecting 6.5 points  - three for the victory, and 3.5 for winning three quarters and drawing one.

Against South East Melbourne in a game played at high tempo, Brisbane battled back from a tough start with an explosive second half showing, scoring 51 points to bring the scores level in the third before a full-strength Phoenix side ran out winners.

The Bullets now have one game remaining of their NBL27 pre-season schedule, with Cairns Taipans set to visit to the UniSC Arena bolstered by the signing of Championship winner Jaylin Galloway alongside Jack McVeigh.

Tickets for the game are now available from just $10, with Brisbane’s full roster set to be available barring injury absentees Sam McDaniel and Taine Murray.

Tickets are also on sale for the Bullets’ opening week’s fixtures, including an historic opener against New Zealand Breakers at the Pat Rafter Arena in Tennyson.

The facility - which will play host to the Davis Cup in the days prior to the Bullets’ arrival - will see Basketball for the first time.

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