Bullets Show Fight but Fall in the Final Seconds

The Bullets found a way to put themselves in the driver’s seat with a minute remaining, but were unable to capitalise, going down to the Kings 71-69 in an eventful last second play.

Robert Franks was impressive for the Bullets with 18 points and 9 rebounds, while Lamar Patterson added 14 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists.

In the absence of Nathan Sobey, Anthony Drmic, Jason Cadee and Tanner Krebs all stepped up, each with 8 points apiece and defensively having a substantial impact on the game.

After giving up 102 points just a week ago, the Bullets locked in as a defensive unit and upped their physicality, to match that of the Kings. They made it difficult for the Kings to score holding a potent Kings offence to just 71 points for the match.

A lopsided 24-11 foul count made it difficult for the visiting side to gain momentum, but they continued to try to adjust throughout the game and find ways to get ahead in the seesawing battle.

Brisbane jumped out to an early lead, holding the King’s to 2-13 from the field in the first six minutes.

The King’s drew level, with a minute left in the opening quarter, but a knockdown three from Anthony Drmic, had the Bullets in front 20-17 at quarter time.

Sydney scored the opening bucket of the second quarter, but the Bullets had the next seven straight points to extend their lead 27-22.

The Kings then went on an 8-0 run to take a three point lead mid-way through the second. Both teams were locked into a grind, making it difficult for one another on the offensive end.

Trailing by four at half time, the Bullets came out of the half time break with high energy, going on a 13-2 run. A three from Tanner Krebs, followed by back to back baskets from Lamar Patterson, and a Cadee three buoyed the visitors.

The Bullets led by a game high seven points early in the final quarter, but in the final five minutes it was difficult to split the teams.

Leading by 2 with 17 seconds remaining, a Bullets inbound went wayward, stolen by the Kings giving them an opportunity to tie level.

A Jaylen Adams dunk and foul followed by a lapse on the defensive end, had the Kings claim the win in the dying seconds.

Following the game, Hostplus Head Coach, James Duncan was proud of his team’s effort, but highlighted how tough it is to lose like that on the road.

“Obviously it’s a tough loss, but we’re starting to go in the right direction,” Duncan said.

“I can’t fault the effort, and that’s what we’ve been talking about.”

Captain, Jason Cadee was understandably disappointed after a close loss.

“We worked hard, so when you drop one like that on the road when you’re in a position to win it hurts,” Cadee said following the game.

When asked about preparation for next week’s game Jams Duncan highlighted the need for recovery after a physical couple of games this weekend followed by an intense week of practice.

“We’re going to get back at it, grind away and make sure we’re prepared. We need to leave it out there.”

ROUND 11

BRISBANE BULLETS 69 (Franks 18, Patterson 14)

SYDNEY KINGS 71 (Martin 17, Cooks 15, Adams 15)

NEXT UP

Brisbane take on South East Melbourne Phoenix on the road next Saturday 19 February 4:30pm (AEST).

The Bullets next home game is on Saturday 26 February against the Tasmania JackJumpers at 4:30pm (AEST). Get your tickets today HERE.