Adelaide fends off fast-finishing Hawks

IT was a shootout in the Sandpit last night, as the Adelaide 36ers — for the second straight game — held off a late fightback, to claim their second win of the season.

The 36ers were ahead all night in Illawarra but Aaron Brooks’ 31 points set up a nervy finish for the Sixers as the Hawks came home strongly.

Tim Coenraad had the opportunity to steal a Hawks victory, finding himself wide open with just 22 seconds to go but missed his three-point attempt and the Sixers were able to emerge with a 98-92 victory.

It took just 40 seconds of the match for Eric Griffin to further show why he could be Adelaide’s x-factor this season.

After a best-on performance in the Sixers’ first win of the season against Brisbane, Griffin continued this momentum in the opening exchanges. First came a steal and easy bucket and then just seconds later he was showing his prowess at the other end of the court with a big block to deny Josh Boone.

LaMelo Ball thrilled when in full flight with the ball in is hands driving at the rim throughout the evening.

There was a lot of love for Sixers co-captain Kevin White when he first took to the court upon his return to his former home.

But this goodwill from the Illawarra fans was gone by the end of the third-quarter, with the veteran involved in the biggest moments of the game.

On by Joey Wright to quell the influence of Brooks, White drew unsportsmanlike conduct from the hot Hawk but his over-zealous celebration resulted in him getting a technical foul.

When White went to the free throw line, the Sandpit erupted in boos.