BULLETS FIRED UP FOR FINALS SERIES
BASKETBALL: Brisbane star import Lamar Patterson insists the Bullets will not just be making up the numbers in the NBL finals.
Patterson’s heroics in the final minute of the 84-78 victory over New Zealand on Saturday night catapulted Brisbane into the semi-finals for the first time since 2008.
The Bullets will meet minor premier Perth in the best-ofthree series with the first game to held at the Wildcats’ RAC Arena on February 28 with the second game back in Brisbane on March 2. If a third game is required, it will be played in Perth on March 4. Melbourne will play the Sydney Kings with second-placed United to have home-court advantage.
Perth secured top spot on the ladder despite the 81-70 overtime loss to the Chris Goulding inspired Melbourne yesterday and now face a Bullets side that split the four-game regular season series with the Wildcats.
Patterson’s slicing drive to the bucket and stunning threepoint dagger in the final minute against the Breakers helped the classy matchwinner finish with 23 points, eight rebounds and four assists and handed Brisbane a timely confidence boost.
“I feel like we are a scary team. The past couple of weeks we’ve been down but getting that win, I feel like it brought our spirits up and gives us good momentum going into the finals,’’ Patterson said.
“As long as everyone stays mentally prepared, we should be fine. Hopefully we can do some damage. This is what we’ve been working for.”
Bullets guard Cam Gliddon (back) is expected to be fit for the semi-finals.