Match Report: Bullets Spoil JackJumpers Debut

The Brisbane Bullets got their NBL Blitz campaign off to a winning start, defeating the newly established Tasmania JackJumpers, 89-79.

In front of a sell-out crowd at MyState Bank Arena in Hobart, the Bullets were able to spoil Tasmania's return to the NBL, while welcoming new Hostplus Head Coach James Duncan with a bang.

Picking up right where he left off last season, Nathan Sobey led Brisbane with a classy 17 points, to go with 7 rebounds and 4 assists.

Robert Franks (16 points, 7 rebounds) also put on a show in his first game for the Bullets, displaying his range and versatility on both ends of the floor.

After trailing 21-18 after the first quarter, Brisbane took the lead in the second. Next Star, Tom Digbeu (8 points, 100% FG) was electric off the bench with an impressive two-handed jam in his first minutes for the Bullets, introducing himself to Australian fans with authority.

Local Tassie talent, Tanner Krebs (7 points, 100% FG) and veteran guard Jason Cadee (8 points, 2 rebounds) also made great contributions off the bench keeping the score ticking over in the second period.

Brisbane found another gear in the third quarter. Coming out of half time, the Bullets went on an 11-0 run on the back of some disruptive defence and great ball movement. Anthony Drmic (10 points, 75% 3PFG) lit it up, with 6 of his 10 points coming in the early stages of the third.

The JackJumpers made a run mid way through the quarter, but the Bullets weathered the storm and a Chuanxing Liu put back followed by a Cadee three saw the momentum swing back the way of the Bullets.

Tyrel Harrison (6 points, 6 rebounds) and Big Liu (5 points, 5 rebounds) combined to be a strong presence inside for the Bullets with a lot of their hard work done on the defensive end.

In the final quarter Lamar Patterson (9 points,6 rebounds, 5 assists) really got rolling and a late steal and dunk put an exclamation point on the Bullets victory.

The Bullets shot the ball at an efficient 59% from the field, were 11 of 24 from beyond the arc and 20-27 from the free throw line.

Brisbane will head north to Ulverstone for Game 2 of the Blitz, to take on the Perth Wildcats. Bullets fans can watch the game on Friday 19 November at 6:30pm AEST live and free on Kayo Freebies.

HUNGRY JACKS NBL BLITZ

BRISBANE BULLETS 89 (Sobey 17, Franks 16, Drmic 10)

TASMANIA JACKJUMPERS 79 (Adams 18, McIntosh 13, Magette 12)

BOX SCORE