Double-double from Baynes not enough to lift Bullets over Hawks

Aron Baynes showed he’s ready to fire in NBL24 for the Bullets finishing with a 20 point, 20 rebound double-double in the Bullets 95-88 pre-season loss to the Illawarra Hawks.

The Bullets started the game strong and there was plenty for Bullets fans to like from the game. In the first quarter DJ Mitchell went 3/3 from beyond the arc and the team locked in on defence, leading 25-16.

Brisbane held a four point lead at half time, but a string of turnovers including multiple offensive fouls allowed the Illawarra Hawks to take the lead mid-way through the third quarter.

Despite trailing by 10 mid-way through the fourth quarter, the Bullets fought back and drew the score line back to three with possession of the ball.

Baynes produced a dominant package with 20 points, 20 rebounds, two assists and two blocks on 7/12 shooting in his 24 minutes.

In addition, Nathan Sobey had 17 points and six assists while DJ Mitchell put up 16 points, six rebounds and three assists.

New import Chris Smith had 12 points, two assists and two steals, and Shannon Scott added nine points and three assists.

For the Hawks Lachlan Olbrich had a strong outing, including 20 points of his own, shooting 80% from the field.

The Bullets close out the NBL Blitz on the Gold Coast on Friday against the defending champion Sydney Kings.

HUNGRY JACK'S NBL BLITZ

ILLAWARRA HAWKS 95 (Olbrich 20, Harvey 16, Froling 12, Robinson 12)

BRISBANE BULLETS 88 (Baynes 20, Sobey 17, Mitchell 16) 

BOX SCORE