Randle runs hot to end drought
ADELAIDE have snapped a four-game NBL losing streak with a vital 103-91 road victory over South East Melbourne.
Jerome Randle was outstanding for the 36ers at Melbourne Arena with a gamehigh 27 points.
With import Ramone Moore unavailable, Adelaide received strong contributions from Anthony Drmic (21 points, eight rebounds) and Eric Griffin (17 points). Mitch Creek’s double-double (22 points, 11 rebounds) and John Roberson’s 21 points were not enough, as the Phoenix slipped to consecutive losses for the first time in their short history.
Adelaide shot out to an early nine-point lead, Randle making five-of-seven shots with three triples in a 15-point first-quarter burst.
The home side tried to stay in touch but, with their outside shooters making just two-of-14 from long range in the first half, the Sixers took a 12-point advantage into halftime.
Adelaide’s lead grew to 16 in the third term but the Phoenix started to heat up from beyond the arc as they closed the gap to five entering the final quarter. But the Sixers absorbed every blow the Phoenix delivered before racing away with a much-needed win.
Adelaide opened the match with a new-look starting line-up and it paid immediate dividends, Brendan Teys adding a pair of buckets then assisting on a Randle triple for a flying 13-4 start.
The hosts responded with the next seven points but back-to-back threes from Randle ensured the visitors closed the quarter ahead 26-24.
The Sixers regained control in the second period thanks to Griffin and Drmic’s attack on the basket to build a 50-38 halftime lead.
Obiri Kyei extended Adelaide’s advantage to 16 early in the third quarter before the Phoenix came to life, Creek slamming home to cap a 9-0 run while slick ball movement set up Ben Madgen’s three on the buzzer for the home side to trail 71-66.
Adam Gibson gave his side hope when his three-pointer cut Adelaide’s lead to one but quick replies from Drmic and Daniel Johnson allowed Randle to stretch the lead out to 91-79 with his fifth triple of the night.