Cadee masterclass spurs Brisbane to win over Adelaide

A Jason Cadee masterclass has helped spur the Brisbane Bullets to a thrilling 92-91 win over the Adelaide 36ers on Sunday.

Cadee led the way with 26-points and five assists on the night, with the Bullets captain making his mark in the opening quarter. Not only was it his season-high, but it was also the most points the guard has scored in a game for the Bullets.

Robert Franks has also continued to compete at an elite level in this League, putting up 17 points and 12 boards on the night.

The American now has the most double-doubles in NBL22 with 11, which is one ahead of Sydney Kings forward Xavier Cooks.

Playing in front of their home fans for the second last time this season, it was a great team win for the Bullets. Nine players in blue and gold contributing to the scoreboard.

After Adelaide opened the scoring with a three-pointer, Cadee was the first player to get some points on the board for the hosts. Jase stepped up and shortly after drained his second three, which gave the Bullets an 8-6 lead early-on.

He then converted another shot from beyond the arc, before two deep threes rounded off an impressive first five minutes for the guard.

Cadee was perfect from the field, hitting all five of his attempts from three. The 30-year-old had 15 of Brisbane’s first 17 on Sunday afternoon.

The scoring outburst was a clear highlight as Brisbane went into quarter time with a four-point lead over the 36ers.

The second quarter was largely controlled by the visitors, who fought their way back after trailing by as much as 11 at one stage.

The 36ers took the lead with 24 seconds to play in the half, before a layup from Lamar Patterson beat the buzzer and helped the hosts snatch back a one-point lead by half time.

Adelaide scored the first six-points after half-time, which appeared to be a factor as the period went on. Tom Digbeu ended the visitors run with a three-pointer around three minutes into the third, before Isaiah Moss added a three of his own shortly after.

The visitors had a five point advantage going into the final quarter, after outscoring the Bullets 20-14 in the third.

As they’ve shown previously, the Bullets have a never say die attitude and they weren’t going to go down quietly.

They showed plenty of fight and eventually took the lead with about three minutes to play in the final quarter. A bucket from Robert Franks gave the hosts a 74-73 lead.

Within the next couple of minutes, Jason Cadee added another two three-pointers to his stat line.

The two teams continued to exchange the lead a number of times – it was clear that this game was going to come down to the wire.

The Bullets had a one-point lead with 40 seconds to play. The 36ers got a shot up with time running out, but the Bullets defence won the game in that final possession.

Brisbane brought up a unique piece of history with the result, becoming the first team to win two games by one-point in NBL22 – they also beat the New Zealand Breakers last week.

Adelaide also became the first team that Brisbane have beaten twice at home this season.

Bullets Hostplus Head Coach James Duncan was clearly happy with the result after the match, and the character that the team showed.

“To play for our fans, to play for our members, that was a big message going into the game,” Coach James Duncan said after the 92-91 win.

Jason Cadee’s impressive afternoon was always going to be a talking point after the match, with Coach Duncan also commenting on his performance.

“That’s Jason Cadee. He’s capable of making those shots and making the players around him better.

“He had a real good bounce back game from the other night in Illawarra, so I’m obviously super happy for him.”

Sitting next to Coach Duncan after the match was Tom Digbeu, who deserves an honorable mention after another strong performance. The exciting prospect, who is part of the NBA’s Next Stars program, had 13-point, 4 boards and an assist off the bench.

The Bullets are back in action on Saturday, when they take on the Illawarra Hawks at Nissan Arena.

Box Score

BRISBANE BULLETS 92 (Cadee 26, Franks 17, Patterson 14)

ADELAIDE 36ERS 91 (Johnson 28, Dech 14, Harris 12)

BOX SCORE

Next Home Game

For the final time in NBL22, the Brisbane Bullets are set to defend their home court on Saturday. Celebrating Member's Round presented by Bob Jane T-Marts, the Bullets will host the Illawarra Hawks. Bring your family down to Nissan Arena with tip-off scheduled for 5.30pm AEST.